| Guadalupe is a Native American and Hispanic community of about 5,500 residents between Phoenix and Tempe at the base of South Mountain in Mricopa County. It is named after the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico. Guadalupe was founded by Yaqui Indians around the turn of the century.
The town of Guadalupe was incorporated in 1975 and is approximately one square mile in area. It will remain this size since it is surrounded by man-made boundaries; Interstate 10 and the city of Phoenix on the west; Baseline Road and the city of Tempe on the North; the city of Tempe on the South; and by the Salt River Project's Highline Canal on the East.
Guadalupe is home to three cultures and proudly maintains a strong cultural and ethnic identity. One of those cultures being the Yaqui Indians. Since its founding, it has been known as a center of Yaqui culture and it is home to many religious festivals.
The most important occasion for the Yaqui in Guadalupe are the Lent and Easter ceremonies. The Yaquis, called Yoeme, migrated to Guadalupe from Mexico. The deer dances and the pascola dances and other ceremonies had their origins in the early 1600s in Mexico.
Dances, instruments, masks and costumes are an important part of Yaqui arts and tradition, and have helped them to maintain a strong sense of identity. These ancient dances and songs have been taught for generations, and are passed down through trained instructors.
The community opens some parts of these ceremonies to the public, and all are invited. However, people must observe and respect the Yaquis’ wishes that no photos be taken and that no drawings or recordings be made. There is a town ordinance with fines for such activity. |
