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Announcement: 50th Cupa Days

Pala Band of Mission Indians California Pala Announcement

The Pala Band of Mission Indians and the Cupa Cultural Center announce the 50th Cupa Days, which will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to dusk, and Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Cupa Cultural Center Grounds.

50th Cupa Days
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Cupa Cultural Center Grounds
10:00 a.m. – Dusk
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Cupa Cultural Center Grounds
11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Cupa Days

  • Cultural Entertainment
  • Native Arts & Crafts
  • Cupa Tacos
  • Peon Games

Not responsible for theft or injury. No drugs or alcohol are allowed.

Vendors

If you have any vendor questions, you can contact Na’Leigha Aguayo.

Not Permitted

No drugs, alcohol, vaping, or smoking are permitted at this event.

Cupa Cultural Center

For more information, contact the Cupa Cultural Center:
760-891-3590 | naguayo@palatribe.com | cupa.palatribe.com

Pala Band Mission Indians California Cupa Cultural Center Cupa Days 50th 2025

Cupa Cultural Center

The Cupa Cultural Center was founded in 1974 by Pala community members dedicated to preserving, perpetuating, and enhancing traditional cultural practices.

The hard work of fundraising and organization led to the construction of the building that houses the center today. An expansion of the original building in 2005 added four offices, a meeting space, a kitchen, an employee lounge, and a storage and lab area for documents, photographs, and artifacts. The original space continues to serve as an exhibition hall, with displays including artifacts, photographs, arts and crafts, and essential events in the history of Pala.

The Cupa Cultural Center’s dedication to protecting traditions and preserving history is best illustrated in the annual Cupa Days celebration, which takes place during the first weekend of May. This celebration, which has been held every year since 1974, commemorates the tragic removal of the Cupeño people from their ancestral village of Cupa in May 1903. In the spirit of cultural sharing, Cupa Days features traditional performances from various native groups. The event also features arts and crafts vendors and food booths.

The mission of the Cupa Cultural Center includes continuing research and documentation of Pala’s past and present. In addition, the Center remains dedicated to the founders’ original intent of continuing to preserve and teach traditional practices. Classes and activities that focus on such practices as basket making, beading, and traditional arts and crafts are offered to Pala community members. The Cupa Cultural Center is also involved in projects to help preserve and teach the Cupeño language.

Center Hours & Info

The Cupa Cultural Center is open to the public 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

To learn more about the Center, please contact (760) 891-3590 or cupa@palatribe.com.