Aztec Highland Games and Celtic Festival

About Us

Highland Games are also known as Caledonian games, which originated in the early days of the Scottish clans and were conducted in the Scottish Highlands. Performed in the presence of the clan chief, they were contests of strength and skill, including military exercises. The contests usually were followed by award ceremonies, feasts, dancing, and bagpipe playing.

Clan assemblies ended after the Jacobite Rebellion in 1745, when the British government suppressed the clans. Even the wearing of Highland dress in Scotland was forbidden. But early in the 19th century former clan groups revived the Highland Games.

The Aztec Highland Games features eight Celtic Heavy Athletic events. These include the Sheaf Toss, Weight for Height (or Weight over Bar), Braemar Stone (or Stone Put), Light and Heavy Scottish Hammer Throw, Light and Heavy Weight for Distance (or Weight Throw), and Caber Toss.

Celtic Music Festival

​Though not in the title of the event, half of the fun is two full days of Celtic Music. This is the largest Celtic Music Festival in the Four Corners. The stage in Riverside Park is nestled under the trees next to the beautiful Animas River in Aztec. Make sure you bring a blanket or chairs so you can relax and enjoy the show.