Blessing the Acequia

Members of Cibola County Historical Society recently had the privilege of attending two acequia blessings in Cibola County. May 15, San Fidel’s acequia blessing was held at the home of Leon Tafoya and on May 20th, 2023, San Mateo’s acequia blessing was held after mass at the Saint Matthew Catholic Church, with Father Matthew Keller officiating.

Acequias (dirt ditch) have been in use for hundreds of years. When settling a new location, the acequia was often dug before the church was built. A truly community project, it involves cleaning the spring, cleaning the acequia itself, asking a blessing from San Ysidro, and allocating watering times for each individual user. Often, a mayordomo or at least someone to field questions about usage is appointed. Community members come together when the gates are first opened in the spring. A presiding priest is called upon to ask San Ysidro, the patron saint of farmers, to bless the water and ask for a successful year for users. Rose petals are cast in the water by each individual present with their own personal wish or prayer. After this solemn ceremony, members gather for refreshment, often a potluck dinner. Acequias are a “coming together” much enjoyed by members and visitors and a much-needed social event in times past as well as today’s world.