Gathering of Nations: World's Largest Native American Festival Set for April 25-27 in Albuquerque

The 30^th annual Gathering of Nations is set to take place in Albuquerque, N.M. between April 25 and 27, 2013. This world's largest gathering of Native Americans is the most prominent powwow in North America.

Ten of thousands of people and more than 700 tribes from the U.S., Canada and around the world will gather to honor the 30^th Anniversary of this festival that celebrates Native American culture and traditions.

In an event lasting three days, more than 3,000 traditional Native American singers and dancers, more than 800 Native American artisans, dozens of indigenous contemporary musicians and performers, and a wide variety of food vendors will join in one location to bring entertainment to thousands.

During the festival, a young Native American woman will be crowned Miss Indian World. Women various tribes and indigenous cultures will represent their traditions and compete in areas such as tribal knowledge, dancing ability, and personality assessment during the contest.

The Gathering of Nations festival started in 1983 at the former University of Albuquerque. The following year, it was was relocated to the New Mexico State Fair Grounds and eventually moved to its current location, the University of New Mexico Arena (known as "The Pit"), in 1986.

Over it's 30 years, the festival has grown to be one of the largest the largest Native American powwow in North America. Despite being so large, the festival honors all dancers with a fair contest.

As part of the 30^th anniversary celebration, the Gathering of Nations is releasing a special book, "30 Years of Gathering: Gathering of Nations Powwow," and they're launching a Gathering of Nations Radio station on the online iHeartRadio network.

The Gathering of Nations festival starts with the Miss Indian World competition at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel on April 25 at 7 p.m. The powwow is held at "The Pit" with the "Grand Entry" at 12 p.m. (noon) on Friday, April 26 and occurs again on Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at noon and 6 p.m. Miss Indian World is crowned on Saturday night during the powwow.

Powwow tickets cost $17 per day, $34 for a two day pass, or $50 for a two day pass with VIP seating. For more information, visit www.gatheringofnations.com.