Yakima Culture

Cultural Connections
From film festivals and celebrations to pow-wows, history comes to life with Yakima’s rich heritage and cultural traditions.

The native Yakima Nation people celebrate their long history in the valley with traditions such as the annual Treaty Days Pow Wow. Signed in 1855, the Yakima Nation treaty combined 14 Southeastern Washington tribes and bands into one, officially known as the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation.
The largest cultural event in Yakima, the valley’s annual Cinco de Mayo celebration honors Latino culture and heritage. Making up more than 35 percent of the population, many of Yakima’s Spanish-speaking families have lived in the valley for generations.

First drawn to the valley for work on farms and ranches, families from the Philippines and other Asian countries arrived in the valley in the late 19th century and continue to contribute to the valley’s cultural traditions.