What Is The Shakopee Wacipi?
From the SMSC website:
The wacipi (pronounced wah-CHEE-pee), or powwow, is a traditional Native American celebration of life. It is a time when people gather together to dance, sing, and celebrate, while renewing friendships, old and new. Meaning “they dance” in the Dakota language, the wacipi has transcended generations and has taken on new forms and meanings over the years. Historically, it was a time to gather at the end of a season, to celebrate a good hunt, or to recognize a positive event. While the dances still hold sacred ceremonial meaning for those who participate, today’s wacipi has evolved into a contest powwow, where dancers and drum groups compete for top honors and prize money.
Visiting the Shakopee Wacipi
The Shakopee Wacipi is highly recommended. So many incredible outfits. So intricate and colorful! And the dances, I don’t understand anything that’s going on, but it doesn’t make it any less beautiful.
From what I can tell, each participant is judged on their outfit, accessories, and their dancing style. Some people are out there working up a hell of a lather. While other people are content with a spirited, jumping walk rattling and shaking the bells and shells sewn into their incredible outfits. We stayed long enough to watch as a huge field of dancers was whittled down to a handful of competitors and then finally, two dancers sparring for that number one spot.
Surrounding the grounds of the Wacipi were rows and rows of vendors and food carts. Even though I was trying to watch my cholesterol at the time, I bought a flatbread dessert with whipped cream and a reduction of fresh strawberries. It was wildly unhealthy, but so worth it.
My daughter asked if we could buy every little nicknack from the vendors. Of course, the answer was no. But after hearing no after no after no, the nourishing effects of the flatbread wore off faster and, before we had a meltdown, it became time to go.
The Shakopee Wacipi was hot, dusty, and brimming with so many sounds and flavors. It was sensually overwhelming but I wanted to stay and soak it all in. I can’t wait to return to this year’s event!
