The people of Bernalillo County are coming together for a very special event—the 5th Annual Primera Agua celebration! It’s a time when the community welcomes the first acequia (irrigation ditch) waters of the season, honouring a tradition that goes back hundreds of years. Let’s learn more about this exciting event and why it’s so important for the people living around the Middle Rio Grande region.
What is the Primera Agua Celebration?
The Primera Agua event is happening on Saturday, April 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 3901 Central Ave NW, near Central and Sunset. It’s a free event open to everyone. Families, friends, and water lovers are all invited to join and celebrate the return of the life-giving waters.
The event is hosted by the Center for Social Sustainable Systems (CESOSS) and the South Valley Regional Association of Acequias. It is supported by many partners like Bernalillo County Open Space, Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, American Friends Service Committee, and ACCESS Enrichment Program.
Why Acequias Are So Important
Acequias are ancient irrigation systems that have helped people grow crops and take care of the land for centuries. They are not just about water – they are about tradition, culture, and connecting with the land. District 2 Commissioner Frank Baca said that acequias are a part of the community’s history and that events like Primera Agua help young people understand their importance.
Acequias remind people of their ancestors and the beautiful relationship between humans and nature. They also show how communities have survived and thrived in New Mexico’s dry environment.
What to Expect at the Event
This year’s celebration will include several traditional activities like the blessing of the acequia, ceremonial dances (danza ceremonial), and singing songs that honour the sacred waters. These performances are a beautiful way to respect and give thanks for the water that keeps farms, gardens, and nature alive.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their own water containers to fill and celebrate with their families and friends.
Improvements at the Acequia Madre Site
Since 2020, the City of Albuquerque, Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, and Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority have worked together to improve the area where the celebration will happen. This place, called the Acequia Madre, is very important. It is where water from the river is carefully redirected to fields, just like it has been for hundreds of years.
In 2021, through a public planning process led by Sites Southwest, a master plan was made to guide upgrades. Now, important infrastructure like parking and walking trails is ready, and the next phase will bring shaded areas, signs, and gathering spaces for the community to enjoy.
Bernalillo County Open Space is proud to support this project. Their goal is to help people stay connected to the land, the water, and to each other.
The Primera Agua celebration is a beautiful reminder of how water shapes life, culture, and tradition in New Mexico. It’s more than just an event – it’s a way to teach younger generations about the importance of acequias and keeping these traditions alive. By coming together, the community honours the past and looks forward to a future where the bond between people and nature stays strong.
