Sign #5 Acequias: el agua es la vida

Acequias were a practice brought from Islamic Spain, where the word originated in the desert climates of north Africa (from the Arabic verb “saqá,” to irrigate).  Similar systems were already in use by Natives in the American southwest.

Stay tuned for deeper info to be added to this page as our project interfaces with area schools. *If you are a student and would like to submit an in-depth essay to appear here, with a professional-style writing credit, please contact us!

What can you add to this story?
Did you grow up cleaning the acequia each spring?
Did your parents caution you that La Llorona would get you if you played too close to the ditch?
Did you tell your own children this tale?

Listen to the local memories on our oral-history cache at QuestaStories.org and add your own knowledge and memories!

Acequia culture is alive and well in New Mexico.  Stay updated and find information at https://lasacequias.org/