SAN LUIS — The Sangre de Cristo Acequia Association (SdCAA) will hold the annual Congreso de Acequias in San Luis on Saturday, March 8. 

This event brings together the acequia communities of Colorado to preserve cherished acequias and acequia water rights. The association has over 125 irrigators, community members from Costilla and Conejos counties, and numerous government and nonprofit partners.  

Although acequias have existed in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico for centuries, their formal recognition in state statutes in 2009 through the Acequia Recognition Law was a significant milestone. This law, a testament to the enduring importance of acequias, allows them to continue exercising their traditional roles in governing community access to water and strengthens their ability to protect water rights. 

The Sangre de Cristo Acequia Association is a nonprofit organization representing over 71 acequias, which supports approximately 300 families in Costilla, Conejos, and Huerfano counties. The acequias' water comes from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains via the Culebra River. 

Acequias are a unique water management method, originating from Spain and North Africa. The word acequia derives from the Arabic word for 'water bearer.' In This system, water is not seen as something that individuals can own but rather as a shared resource by the community. It is distributed according to each landowner's need by a caretaker called a Mayordomo. Water from the Culebra River is diverted into several communal ditches where members draw water under the direction of the Mayordomo, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility. 

Farmers are expected to contribute to the ditch's maintenance, upkeep, and repairs in return for their water. Every family or individual does their part, and as a result, the Acequia community benefits. 

The 2025 Congreso will be at the Centennial School in San Luis from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is an opportunity to connect with fellow farmers, ranchers, and community members. Sessions on acequia leadership, soil health, and water protection will also be held. 

Morning workshops will include a panel discussion focusing on challenges and opportunities faced by those seeking to rebuild a robust local food system. Numerous panelists from throughout the San Luis Valley will give presentations. 

The Congreso will be similar to last year.  According to the association, the event will begin with the bendición de las aguas, a solemn ceremony during which participants can bring water from their acequia to be blessed by a Catholic priest and united with waters from across the region, symbolizing the unity and shared responsibility of the acequia community.

A full schedule of the 2025 Congreso was not available at press time. For more information, contact www.sangredecristoacequia@gmail.com.