Ancient rulers and thousands of their subjects thrived in a city behind huge wooden walls that once surrounded the Moundville site. These prehistoric Native Americans farmed, hunted and fished. Their society recognized nobles by birth and praised the feats of great artists, warriors and holy people. Each year, the descendants of this vibrant culture return, celebrating the South's rich Indian heritage at the Moundville Native American Festival.
Through storytelling, a variety of arts and crafts demonstrations, living history enactments and musical performances, the park’s annual Native American Festival brings to life the Southeastern Indian culture, a culture that is markedly different from the tribes found elsewhere in the Americas.
The stomp dance troupe Chikasha Hithla, led by Winn Harjo, will be performing at the festival. There will also be numerous other performers throughout the day.
The children's area will provide youngsters with additional educational opportunities, face painting and crafts.
A variety of different vendors selling native crafts such as arrows, baskets, jewelry and pottery, will be on hand. Traditional native food like roasted corn and Indian tacos will be served, along with modern American favorites such as hamburgers and shaved ice.
UA’s Moundville Archaeological Park is 13 miles south of Interstate 20/59 off of Alabama Highway 69. Described as the Big Apple of the 14th century, Moundville was America’s largest city north of Mexico 800 years ago. This National Historic Landmark, part of UA Museums, contains 320 acres with more than 20 preserved prehistoric Indian mounds, campgrounds, picnic areas, boardwalk nature trail, theater, Riverbend Lodge and a museum containing some of the finest Mississippian-era artifacts in North America. For more information, phone 205/371-2234.