The Gathering of Nations, the world’s largest gathering of Native American and indigenous people, takes place in Albuquerque, N.M. between April 28 and 30.

The much anticipated “Grand Entry” begins at noon on Friday, April 29.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., March 3, 2016 — The world’s largest gathering of Native American and indigenous people will take place between Thursday, April 28 and Saturday, April 30, 2016 in Albuquerque, N.M. The 33rd Annual Gathering of Nations, considered the most prominent Native American powwow in the world, will host tens of thousands of people and more than 700 tribes from throughout the United States, Canada, and around the world.

The three-day event will include more than 3,000 traditional Native American dancers and 50 drum groups competing, and more than 800 Native American artisans, craftsmen and traders displaying and selling their work. In addition, more than 30 contemporary indigenous music groups will be performing a wide variety of musical genres. Vendors in the Native Food Court will offer guests a large selection of food choices ranging between southwestern-style cuisine and traditional Native American fare.

As part of the Gathering of Nations, a young Native American woman will be crowned Miss Indian World 2016 on Saturday evening and will represent all native and indigenous people as a cultural goodwill ambassador.

The contestants will compete in the areas of tribal knowledge through interviews, essays, public speaking and traditional presentation, and dance. The Gathering of Nations opens with the Miss Indian World competition on Thursday, April 28 at 7 p.m. at the Albuquerque Convention Center, with a special musical performance by national singer/songwriter Samantha Crain.

The much anticipated “Grand Entry” begins at noon on Friday, April 29. The Grand Entry will be repeated Friday evening at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, at 12 p.m. (noon) and 6 p.m., with special musical performances by national recording artist Judith Hill and DJ Logic at a Glow Party on Saturday evening. The Gathering of Nations will be held at the WisePies Arena aka The Pit in Albuquerque.

Fans of the Gathering of Nations can now listen to the event on iHeartRadio, the only 24-hour radio station in North America that offers Native American music of all genres including powwow, rock ‘n’ roll, and spoken word.

General admission tickets cost $18 per day, or $36 for a two day pass. VIP Club Level tickets are available for $65 (at the door price). For more information on the 2016 Gathering of Nations visit www.gatheringofnations.com.

/PRNewswire/