Pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh

25 miles north of Santa Fe

off state rd. 68 from Espanola

Feast Day:  June 23 and 24

(505) 852-4400

Ohkay Owingeh, previously known as San Juan Pueblo until returning to its pre-Spanish name in November 2005 The Tewa name of the pueblo means "place of the strong people."

Ohkay Owingeh is the largest of all the pueblos. Twenty-two years before the pilgrims landed on Plymouth rock, Don Juan Onate declared San Juan the first Spanish capital of the New Mexico territory. The pueblo people were not happy with the oppressive rule, and pushed back the invaders back to Mexico. Most of the 700-year-old homes still stand.

In the center of the pueblo is a Catholic church, a chapel and two kivas, all part of the ceremonial life. The Ohkay Owingeh people are known for their intricately decorated red pottery. The color itself comes from the native clay on the Pueblo which has a distinctive glow and luster. Into these pieces of art are cut geometric patterns. The Oke Oweenge Crafts Cooperative displays this pottery as well as stone and wood carvings, weavings and paintings and necklaces made from native materials.

Ohkay Owingeh is progressive in its business endeavors, owning a casino, campground and RV park. San Juan houses the eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council which promotes joint projects among the Pueblos.