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From 10 – 11 a.m., the heart of the celebration is a vibrant procession that winds through the Museum grounds to honor the land, water, animals, and plants.
Source: New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs
Photo: Courtesy
LAS CRUCES, N.M. – A cherished tradition returns as the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum hosts its 25th Annual Blessing of the Fields on Friday, May 16, and everyone is invited to be a part of this meaningful celebration where culture, tradition, and community flourish.
From 10 – 11 a.m., the heart of the celebration is a vibrant procession that winds through the Museum grounds to honor the land, water, animals, and plants. Visitors can participate in the procession, witness blessings of the acequia, and enjoy bread that has also been blessed.
There’s free admission from 10 to 11 a.m. for anyone participating in the procession. The day’s festivities will also include a plant sale from the Museum’s greenhouse — just in time for spring planting.
Now in its 25th year, the Blessing of the Fields pays tribute to San Ysidro, the patron saint of farmers, whose life of faith and service continues to inspire centuries later. His story, carried through generations, lives on in events like this one that celebrate both history and hope for the growing season ahead. His Saint Day is May 15.
The morning opens with a welcome from the Museum, followed by the Prayer of the Four Directions led by Patrick Narvaez, Cacique of the Corporación de los Indígenas de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de Tortugas and Tortugas Pueblo. The procession will be guided by the Most Reverend Bishop Peter Baldacchino of Las Cruces and Reverend Alejandro Reyes of Hatch.
Students from Las Cruces Catholic Schools will join in the ceremony, connecting younger generations to centuries-old traditions, and learn from storytelling rooted in cultural and spiritual history.
Adding to the rich visual experience, the procession will feature a handcrafted bulto of San Ysidro created by local artist Virginia Maria Romero. Inside the Museum, visitors can explore exhibits and find a wooden San Ysidro sculpture in the Main Gallery. From 1070 to 1130, San Ysidro worked in the fields for a wealthy landowner and was known for his devotion, his humility and his generosity to those less fortunate than him.
For many years, workers in San Miguel would make a pilgrimage each May, stopping at all the villages along the Mesilla Valley to enjoy a fiesta with food and entertainment.
About the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum:
www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org
The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. The 47-acre interactive museum brings to life the 4,000-year history of growing food and fiber in this region. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, it features livestock, indoor and outdoor exhibits, barns, greenhouse, gift shop, and demonstrations. The Museum is supported by the Friends of the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum.
