The Corrales Historical Society’s Archives Committee hosted Heritage Day 2025 last weekend at the Old San Ysidro Church.
The theme for this year’s event was “Agua es Vida – Water is Life,” focusing on the importance of water in the farming community of Corrales.
The event explored 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 were in attendance.
The schedule of speakers included Mike Hamman, retired New Mexico State Engineer, discussing the past, present and future of agricultural water use in Corrales. Margarita Garcia Sexson shared her and her father’s experiences as Corrales irrigators in a presentation titled “Learning to Swim in Corrales.”
Heritage Day visitors were able to explore the museum’s collection, participate in historical activities, enjoy live music and learn about heritage art from traditional New Mexican artists. Activities included 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.
A special screening of the documentary “Acequias – The Legacy Lives On” was shown on Sunday.
“Sun and Fire” from Jemez Pueblo provided food, and Casa San Ysidro across the street hosted events and exhibits. Corrales Garden Tours, benefiting Corrales MainStreet, also took place on Saturday.