19th Annual Congreso de las Acequias
Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid
Saturday, November 17th, 2018, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
(Albuquerque, NM). The New Mexico Acequia Association (NMAA) announces the 19thannual Congreso de las Acequias, which will be held on Saturday, November 17, at the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid. The Congreso de las Acequias is the largest gathering of acequias and supporters in New Mexico. “Labor y Fe: Acequias Caring for the Land and Water in Times of Change” is the theme for this year’s gathering which reflects the challenge of sustained drought and the endurance of acequias.
The event will take place in Albuquerque and will include a pre-Congreso farm tour in the South Valley at Candelaria Organics on Friday, November 16th from 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. The farm tour will honor acequia farmers who have continued working the land and protecting acequia water rights in the face of urbanization.
“Acequias have continued traditions of sharing water and growing food for centuries in New Mexico. We celebrate their endurance and also convene to discuss our future in the face of tremendous challenges related to mounting demands for water, a changing climate, and the need to cultivate the next generation,” said Paula Garcia, Executive Director of the NMAA.
This year’s program will feature testimonies from commissioners, mayordomos, farmers, and ranchers about the challenges of sustained drought and their strategies of adaptation. Younger voices will also be featured to speak about their dedication to sustaining communities through local agriculture.
The agenda for the gathering includes an exciting repertoire of film, music and entertainment. NMAA will premier “Acequia,” film trailer by Arcy Chapa, “Bendición del Agua,” a poem film by Olivia Romo, and “Los Milagros de San Isidro Labrador,” a live performance by Grupo Teatro Acequiero. Acclaimed acoustic musical ensemble from northern New Mexico, David Garcia and Jeremiah Martinez, will provide music rooted in the movement for land and water rights in New Mexico. A multimedia piece, “Nuestras Acequias,” will feature an oral history project from the Embudo Valley.
The Congreso also features work on federal and state policy whereby numerous resolutions will be considered. Congressman Ben Ray Lujan will provide an update on recent federal legislation benefiting acequias. Lastly, NMAA will present “Growing Hemp in New Mexico,” which will include an update on laws and regulations and tips on getting started in the industry. NMAA will also honor award recipients, Leon Tafoya, Mayordomo of the Year, and Max Martinez, Rancher of the Year.
For more information or to register, visit here or call (505)-995-9644.