Staff report
The Corrales Historical Society’s Archives Committee will host Heritage Day 2025 on May 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Old San Ysidro Church, 966 Old Church Road. The theme for this year’s event is “Agua es Vida – Water is Life,” focusing on the importance of water in the farming community of Corrales. Admission is free and all are welcome.
The event will explore the history and present-day picture of water in the village, including displays of old maps and documents related to water rights and usage. Representatives from the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD), the Interior Drain Master Plan, the newly formed Corrales Farmers’ Cooperative, and Querencia will be present.
The schedule of speakers includes Mike Hamman, retired New Mexico State Engineer, at 11a.m. discussing the past, present and future of agricultural water use in Corrales. Margarita Garcia Sexson will share her and her father’s experiences as Corrales irrigators at 1:30 p.m. in a presentation titled “Learning to Swim in Corrales.”
Heritage Day visitors can explore the museum’s collection, participate in historical activities, enjoy live music and learn about heritage art from traditional New Mexican artists. Activities include visiting a local blacksmith, watching the Acoma Pueblo Enchanted Dancers, trying horno-baked goods, tinwork, seed planting, wool spinning and weaving with Las Aranas Spinners and Weavers Guild, and listening to authentic New Mexican Music.
Entertainment Schedule:
- 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Martina Rosetta Kewa Pueblo Horno Bread and Pies
- 10 a.m. – noon: Acoma Enchanted Dancers
- Noon – 2 p.m.: Lara Manzaneres – Award-winning Northern New Mexican singer-songwriter
Artists Market and Demonstrators will include:
- Larry Marken – Heritage Games
- Dave Sabo – Blacksmith
- Jason Younis Delgado – Tinwork
- Rosalie Chavez – San Filipe Pueblo Pottery
- Diane Wilhoite – Loom Weaving
- Dolores Martin – Weaving & Pottery
- Annette Gutierrez Turk – Colcha Artist
- Henrietta Duran – NM Herbs
- Las Aranas – Spinners and Weavers Guild
- Diego Munoz – Folkart Market
- Marvin Gabaldon – Beadwork
- Felix Lopez – Santero
- Carla Wackenheim – Weaving and Knitting
- Myra Chang Thompson – Spinner and Weaver
A special screening of the documentary “Acequias – The Legacy Lives On” will be shown on Sunday, May 11, at 2 p.m. at the Old Church. Seating is limited.
“Sun and Fire” from Jemez Pueblo will provide food, and Casa San Ysidro across the street will host events and exhibits. Corrales Garden Tours, benefiting Corrales MainStreet, will also take place on Saturday.
On Sunday, May 18, a Mass will be held at the Old Church by the new San Ysidro Church on Corrales Road, followed by a procession.
The Corrales Historical Society Archives Committee collects and preserves items related to the village’s history. More information is available at www.corraleshistory.org/archives.html.