The celebration of Miwok heritage is returning to Placerville with the 31st Annual Big Time Lumáy, scheduled for August 23-24, 2025. This cultural gathering, hosted by the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, promises a weekend filled with traditional performances, indigenous crafts, and community connection at the Shingle Springs Rancheria. As one of the most anticipated cultural events in the region, the Big Time Lumáy invites both tribal members and the wider community to experience the rich traditions that have been preserved through generations.
Event Overview and Cultural Significance
- Celebrating community spirit at the 31st Annual Big Time Lumáy 2025. Source: allevents.in
The 31st Annual Big Time Lumáy represents a cornerstone of cultural preservation for the Miwok people, serving as both a celebration and a vital connection to ancestral traditions. This gathering, whose name “Lumáy” carries deep cultural significance, provides a unique opportunity for community members and visitors alike to experience authentic Native American heritage. The festival showcases traditional regional dancers adorned in ceremonial regalia, performing dances that have been passed down through countless generations. These performances aren’t merely entertainment but living cultural expressions that help maintain the spiritual and communal bonds of the Miwok people.
Beyond the dance performances, the Big Time Lumáy offers a wealth of cultural demonstrations that provide insight into traditional Miwok practices and skills. Visitors can observe and sometimes participate in activities that formed the foundation of Miwok daily life for centuries. The event features special competitions that highlight traditional games and skills, including the strategic Walnut Dice Tournament, where participants test their luck and strategy. The Grease Pole competition, a crowd favorite, challenges participants to climb a slippery pole in a test of strength, determination, and technique that always draws enthusiastic spectators, encouraging climbers to reach the top.
Practical Information and Community Impact
The 31st Big Time Lumáy will take place at the Shingle Springs Rancheria, located at 5281 Honpie Road in Placerville, California. The celebration spans two full days, running from 8am to 8pm on Saturday, August 23, and from 8am to 5pm on Sunday, August 24, 2025. The event grounds will be bustling with vendors offering authentic Native American jewelry, handcrafted items, and traditional artwork that showcase indigenous craftsmanship. Food vendors will provide both conventional Native dishes and contemporary options, creating a culinary experience that bridges cultural traditions. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to fully experience all aspects of this cultural celebration, including the opening ceremonies that set the spiritual tone for the gathering.
For the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, the Big Time Lumáy represents far more than just a festival—it’s a vital thread in the fabric of cultural continuity. This annual gathering strengthens intergenerational bonds as elders share knowledge with younger tribal members, ensuring sacred traditions continue to thrive in modern times. The event creates a space where Miwok language, customs, and values are celebrated and reinforced through community participation. Beyond the tribal community, the festival fosters cross-cultural understanding and appreciation as non-Native visitors gain authentic insights into Miwok heritage. This cultural exchange helps build connections between communities while providing economic opportunities for Native artisans and food vendors, supporting sustainable cultural preservation through economic empowerment.
