Rounding Up Western Artists

Colorado

The 21st Colorado Indian Market and Western Art Roundup has corralled more than 400 artists, some from as far away as Alaska and Peru, for a big sale and demonstration at the Denver Convention Complex Jan. 13-16. This is an opportunity to meet many well-known artists working in four genres: Native American, Western, Southwest and wildlife. There’s also continuous entertainment, a fashion show including both traditional hide dresses and fancy Southwest outfits (all for sale). Elaine Miles, who plays Marilyn on CBS’s “Northern Exposure” will appear. For more information, contact the Colorado Indian Market, P.O. Box 17187, Boulder, Colo. 80308; telephone (303) 447-9967.

Hawaii

The 14th annual Molokai Makahiki, Jan. 28 in Kaunakakai Park in the town of Kaunakakai, is an all-day New Year’s celebration of traditional Hawaiian culture. The focus is on island games (such as rock-throwing and rope pulls) for adults and children. Plenty of Hawaiian food, music and hula performances. For more information, contact the Molokai Visitors Assn., P.O. Box 960, Kaunakakai, Hawaii 96748; tel. (808) 553-3876.

Washington, D.C.

Because of construction at the Lincoln Memorial (the traditional location), the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Observance, held on Jan. 13, will begin at 11 a.m., two blocks away, in the Department of the Interior Auditorium, with choirs, speakers and a taped presentation of King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Following this, the crowd will march to the memorial for a wreath-laying. For more information, contact the National Park Service, National Capital Regional Office, 1100 Ohio Drive, S.W., Room 112, Washington, D.C. 20242; tel. (202) 619-7222.

Greece

Epiphany, the final celebration of the Christmas season, is observed in varying degrees in Christian churches around the world. In Greece, the observance takes on a uniformly aquatic theme when the blessing of the waters takes place in churches all over the country. If the Mediterranean isn’t nearby, a river will do: A cross is thrown into the water by the parish priest. The rituals in Piraeus, a harbor of Athens, are very colorful with a small parade and band music. The diver who retrieves the cross is thought to be blessed with good luck for the next year. For more information, contact the Greek National Tourist Organization, 611 W. 6th St., Suite 2198, Los Angeles, Calif. 90017; tel. (213) 626-6696.

Jamaica

The Maroon Festival is celebrated Jan. 6 in the interior town of Accompong in the parish of St. Elizabeth. The Maroons--a centuries-old name for fugitive slaves who escaped to freedom in the island’s highlands--honor their traditions with a day of drumming, dancing, singing and welcoming visitors who make their way to this remote area. For more information, contact the Jamaica Tourist Board, 3440 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1207, Los Angeles, Calif. 90010; tel. (213) 384-1123.

Mexico

The Festivals of Santa Prisca and San Sebastian, the two patron saints of Taxco, are celebrated in this picturesque silver town Jan. 18. First, Mass is celebrated in the cathedral of Santa Prisca on the central plaza. Parishioners parade their pets and farm animals past the entrance to be blessed with holy water. Nearby, there are game booths, food vendors and dancers and music throughout the day. The celebration ends with a fireworks display. For more information, contact the Mexican Government Tourism Office, 10100 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 224, Los Angeles, Calif. 90067; tel. (310) 203-8191.

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