San Luis Valley Colorado Heritage
The towns in the San Luis Valley are among the oldest settlements in Colorado, and, with just 47,000 residents, the valley’s vast landscape has changed little since the early days of settlement. The art, architecture, religion, tradition and folklore of American Indians, early Spanish colonists, Mexican settlers and miners of the Southwest permeate the region. Historic agricultural practices, such as irrigation by acequias (ditches bringing surface water from rivers) are still in use. Traditional, spiritual and religious practices and festivals co-exist with the largest interfaith ecumenical community in North America.