Such ceremonies were a clever device of the Jesuits and Franciscan missionaries to wean the Indians from their native feasts by offering them something equally attractive in the new religion they were teaching.

The feasts are still observed, while the teachings are forgotten.
I found the people assembled before the old adobe church, where they had just finished their service.

The gobernador at once attracted my attention as he stood with his large white blanket wrapped around him, Indian fashion, up to his chin--a fine, almost noble personality, with a benign expression on his eagle face.
The Indian never allows anything to interfere with whatever business he may have on hand, be it public or private.

Presently all rose, and eight men, the authorities of the pueblo, marched in two rows to the court house, followed by the rest of the people.

There is always found near the church a commodious building, called La Comunidad, originally intended as city hall, court house, and hotel.