Each autumn, when the desert light softens and cool breezes drift down from the Pinal Mountains, historic downtown Globe transforms into a place of story and celebration. On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the 42nd Annual Apache Jii Festival will fill Broad Street with the color, rhythm and flavor of Indigenous culture from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“Jii,” pronounced “gee,” means “day” in Apache, and this day is dedicated to honoring the San Carlos Apache Tribe and other Native peoples of the Southwest. What began more than four decades ago as a single day of recognition has grown into a beloved festival where visitors and residents alike gather to celebrate living traditions.
The air carries the scent of fry bread and acorn stew, while booths brim with treasures made by hand: turquoise jewelry, intricately woven baskets, beadwork, pottery and paintings. Every vendor, performer and speaker is an enrolled tribal member, ensuring the festival remains deeply authentic and rooted in heritage.
At the heart of the Apache Jii Festival are the performances. Crown dancers move with reverence, their motions echoing centuries of prayer and ceremony. The haunting notes of the Apache flute rise and fall against the backdrop of Globe’s red-brick buildings, inviting listeners to pause and reflect. Storytellers weave words into living history, while muralists and singers remind all who gather that Native traditions are not relics, but vibrant expressions of identity and pride.
Globe, just 90 minutes east of Phoenix, provides the perfect setting for this experience. Its historic downtown offers a welcoming mix of Old World charm and mountain views, making it easy to spend the day immersed in both the festival and the community that hosts it.
Admission is free, and all are invited to share in this unforgettable day of connection.
For details or to explore participation opportunities, visit globemiamichamber.com/apachejii.