Roots still ran deep at Blessings of the Fields

Morning sunlight settled across the museum grounds May 15 as families followed the procession alongside flowing acequia water during the 26th Annual Blessing of the Fields at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum. 

Held in honor of San Ysidro — the patron saint of farmers — the annual tradition brought together faith leaders, farming families and community members carrying plants, animals and symbols tied to agriculture. While rooted in Catholic tradition, organizers said the event had grown into something larger over the years: a reflection of the region’s enduring identity. 

“They intersect in such a beautiful way,” said Alison Penn, public relations specialist for the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, referring to the blend of agriculture, culture and faith present throughout the event. “It’s basically history altogether.” 

Penn said the celebration continued resonating because it reflected values many New Mexicans still hold closely, regardless of background. 

“We have things that we value,” Penn said. “Hard work, agriculture, faith, family. I think those are some of the big ones, and this event really embodies that.” 

For many attending, the morning served as more than a ceremony. It became a reflection of the Mesilla Valley’s long relationship with farming, water, and community customs passed down over time. Steve Loring, interim director of the museum, said preserving those traditions remained an important part of understanding New Mexico’s identity. 

“It’s part of the history, it’s part of the traditions, it’s part of the culture of New Mexico,” Loring said. “It’s part of what makes New Mexico New Mexico.” 

That connection appeared throughout the grounds as attendees followed the procession, paused along the route, and gathered near the acequia during the blessing. For some families, the event also offered younger generations a chance to experience traditions they may not regularly encounter. 

Michael Ames attended alongside his son Logan, a kindergarten student at a local Catholic school. Though it was their first time attending, Ames said he hoped the experience would leave an appreciation for both the tradition and the people connected to it. 

“Hopefully, like, appreciation for just the tradition, but then also, like, learning about what different people do,” Ames said. 

As the ceremony continued Friday morning, organizers also acknowledged the changing realities surrounding agriculture across the state, particularly as drought conditions and water concerns continue affecting farming communities. 

“With the Rio Grande drying up and the things that farmers are facing, blessing the water has a whole new meaning,” Penn said. 

Even so, Loring described the event as part of a continuing story rather than a fading one. Challenges, he said, have always shaped life in New Mexico, and traditions like the Blessing of the Fields remain a reminder of resilience. 

“It’s a living tradition,” Loring said. “It’s a continuing story and just a current chapter.”