Mark your calendars for a fantastic family outing on September 9th and 10th, 2023, as the Aquarium of the Pacific hosts its nineteenth annual Moompetam American Indian Festival. This extraordinary event celebrates the indigenous maritime cultures of California and their deep-rooted connections to the ocean and environment. With an array of activities, including storytelling, music, dance, and cultural craft demonstrations, this festival promises an enriching experience for all ages.
A Celebration of Cultural Diversity
The Moompetam Festival is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of California's indigenous coastal cultures. Participants hailing from the Tongva, Chumash, Acjachemen, Costanoan, Luiseño, and Kumeyaay tribes will grace the event with their presence. You'll have the chance to witness traditional American Indian craft demonstrations, where skilled artists will showcase the art of basketry, items of adornment, and historical artifacts.
Moompetam: People of the Ocean
The word "Moompetam," pronounced \‘mohm peh tahm, derives from the Tongva language, signifying "People of the Ocean." This term encapsulates the ocean's profound spiritual and cultural significance to California's indigenous coastal peoples. For centuries, these tribes have maintained strong and enduring connections to the ocean, a relationship that persists to this day.
Date, Time, and Location
The festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday, September 9th and 10th, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The venue is the esteemed Aquarium of the Pacific, located at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802.
Admission Information
The festival is included with general admission to the Aquarium, which is $44.95 per adult (ages 12+), $29.95 per child (ages 3-11), and $41.95 per senior (ages 62+).
Aquarium members and children under age three enjoy free admission. Advanced reservations are required, so be sure to plan ahead for your visit.
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
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The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place where diversity and the arts are celebrated and where important challenges facing our planet are explored. The Aquarium is dedicated to conserving and building nature and nature's services by building interactions between and among people. Aquarium exhibits are home to more than 12,000 animals, including the Southern California Gallery, Babies!, Coral Reefs: Nature’s Underwater Cities, Pacific Visions, and Shark Lagoon. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages, including First Wednesdays featuring guest speakers. The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for 12 months and other special benefits. To make a donation to help support the Aquarium, please visit Pacific.to/donate. To visit, advance reservations are required for everyone and can be made at aquariumofpacific.org or by calling (562) 590-3100. The Aquarium of the Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
