As summer comes to an end and autumn returns, the New Mexico Japanese-American Citizens League kicks off its annual Japanese Fall Festival: Aki Matsuri. For over 20 years, Aki Matsuri has brought a taste of Japanese culture to New Mexico. The festival took place at Expo New Mexico — home of the State Fair. From taiko drums and shamisen to karate and bon odori dancing, the stages of the Villa Hispana and Indian Village were filled with lively performances to entertain the crowd of guests. The outskirts of the stages were filled with various vendors, some of who sold different crafts and goods that they prepared themselves, while others reeled in customers with the scent of freshly made Japanese food. Although there were various backgrounds and cultures that showed face through the festival grounds, the atmosphere conveyed a strong sense of community and union.
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PHOTOSTORY: ABQ Bruja Fest features wicked creations, local artists
October 13Expo New Mexico hosted the ABQ Bruja Fest on October 10–11, featuring all things wicked and magical. This fest offers a space for Albuquerque community members to showcase witchcraft activities and gifts with a variety of vendors, workshops and performances. Some vendors offered palm and tarot readings. Others sold candles, incense, brooms, crocheted goods, jewelry, crystals, art and more. Trinity Ayers is a freelance photographer for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com and on X @DailyLobo
PHOTO STORY: Casa Flamenca hosts Balloon Fiesta Tablao
October 12Casa Flamenca in Old Town provides a space for dancers to perform the traditional Spanish tablao, featuring a small stage in a cozy setting where dancers and musicians perform in the same space. During the performance, audience members gather near the stage to view the action up close. The Casa Flamenca Balloon Fiesta Tablao was held during Balloon Fiesta week, so while the balloons went up, the dancing shoes came out at Casa Flamenca. Alex Joe is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
Ice Wolves downed by Odessa Jackalopes
October 7On Sept. 11, the New Mexico Ice Wolves and the Odessa Jackalopes were set to face off in Albuquerque. Right before the game started, both teams were warming up to play, and there were hockey pucks being thrown all over the rink. After the warm up, both teams went back into the locker room, before coming back out a little later to see the colorguard and also hear the national anthem. There was also a moment of silence for victims of the 9/11 attacks in 2001. After the game began, there were players coming on and off of the bench all game. The Jackolopes started off with the lead, but the Ice Wolves quickly tied the game 1-1. While tied, New Mexico struggled to get another point for the rest of the game. Although the Ice Wolves put up a good fight, they ended up losing the game 3-1. Cayden Flores is a freelance photographer at the Daily Lobo. They can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
