25th Annual Congreso de las Acequias
November 15-16 | Highlands University | Las Vegas, NM
After 5:00 pm Wednesday, we encourage you to register at the door for in person participation or use the form for online only participation.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Congreso de las Acequias! Since 1999, this annual gathering has brought together our statewide acequia community to celebrate, connect, and make a lasting impact. As a federation of Regional Acequia Associations, we come together to shape our policy and program priorities for the year, while engaging in workshops, dynamic presentations, and cultural performances that honor our rich traditions.
Join nearly 300 passionate Acequia leaders, parciantes, supporters, agencies, and collaborating organizations as we unite to share knowledge, strengthen bonds, and mobilize for a vibrant collective future. This is more than just an event—it’s a powerful movement that celebrates our heritage and inspires change.
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to be part of something special! Become a SPONSOR and help make this Congreso a success.
Plus, enjoy the artistic expression that represents our community. The Photo and Art contest for both Youth and Adults deadline was November 4, 2024. Winners will be announced during Congreso.
Are you representing your regional association? Click the button below to update your delegate forms and membership.
¡Semos Acequias! We Are Acequias!
We will commemorate the 25th anniversary of Congreso de las Acequias and affirm our theme ¡Semos Acequias! We Are Acequias! As acequias we are caretakers of the water that flows to our fields and all the interconnected waters of our watersheds, rivers, and aquifers. Our communities are surviving in the face of climate disasters and pressure from development and industries. It has never been more important for us to have a united voice to defend our water while we also work for a vibrant future with healthy communities and locally grown food. Acequia leaders and supporters build upon our past work and strengthen our movement to defend and protect the precious waters of our communities!
We speak with a united voice.
We defend water.
We are Acequias.
The Congreso de las Acequias will be a hybrid event. The in-person event will be at the Highlands University (800 National Avenue) in Las Vegas, NM and we will also provide the option to attend online via Zoom. In person registration covers breakfast snacks, lunch, entertainment, educational materials, an engaging agenda, networking, and youth activities.
2024 Resolution Drafts
Click here to view or download the full 2024 program.
Congreso de las Acequias 2024 Program Overview
8:00 AM Registration and Las Mañanitas |
9:00 AM Welcome and Introductions |
9:15 AM Teatro Acequiero: El Agua y el Aceite No Se Mesclan (Oil and Water Do Not Mix) |
9:30 AM Networking Break: Visit Tables |
10:00 AM Workshop Block #1 |
- Acequia Disaster Recovery after Wildfire and Floods |
- Next Generation Acequias: Engaging Youth through Education and Projects |
11:00 AM Break |
11:15 AM Workshop Block #2 |
- Watershed Restoration after the Hermit's Peak Calf Canyon Disaster |
- Que Vivan las Acequias! Workshop by Dabi Garcia on acequia-themed music |
12:15 PM Lunch at NMHU SUB Cafeteria |
1:30 PM Workshop Block #3 |
- Regional Acequia Associations Planning for Climate Adaptation |
- Training on Acequia Legislative Advocacy and Mobilizing for Acequia Day |
2:30 PM Networking Break |
3:00 PM Congreso Delegate Meeting |
4:30 PM Reception & Food - Music by David and Maximiño Manzanares |
5:30 PM Film Screening and Discussion: |
Acequia Apocalypse & Loving Our Changing Lands |
Moderator: Laura Paskus. |
Panelists: Miguel Santistevan & Paula Garcia |
8:00 AM Registration and Las Mañanitas |
9:00 AM Welcome, Canción de las Acequias |
9:15 AM Bendición de las Aguas |
9:45 AM Roll Call and Recognition of Dignitaries |
10:15 AM We Are Acequias: Creating our Plan for the Next 100 Years |
10:45 AM Raul Torrez, Attorney General of New Mexico |
11:15 AM Poetry & Music - Joanna Trujillo & Dabi García |
11:30 AM Youth Recognitions: |
Sembrando Semillas, |
Youth Leadership Institute, |
Youth Conservation Corp |
12:00 PM Teatro Acequiero - "A.I. Mayordomo" |
12:30 PM Lunch, Music, Art Contest Winners, & Door Prizes |
2:00 PM Closing - Canción de las Acequias |
All sponsorship contributions include admission for 2 to Congreso. Sponsors are announced during the live event and in the Congreso Program. We acknowledge our sponsors in our print and electronic newsletter as well as our social media. The following contribution amounts have been popular at our Congreso events.
- Maíz $2500
- Calabaza $1000
- Chile $500
- Hava $250
- Alverjon $100
- Other - Choose Your Amount
This event is made possible by our sponsors. There is no contribution too small. If you want to discuss sponsoring a meal or directing your funds toward a particular area of our program, reach out to essence@lasacequias.org.
2024 Acequia Art & Photo Contest
Share your art, photography, or written works with the acequia community!
1st PLACE
Cash Prize and an NMAA T-shirt
2nd PLACE
Cash Prize and an NMAA T-shirt
3rd PLACE
Cash Prize and an NMAA T-shirt