Historic Old San Ysidro Church & Corrales Historical Society

Photo by Lance Ozier Todos Juntos Photography

Take the hay wagons to the end of the line!

During the village-wide Corrales Harvest Festival, Corrales Historical Society (CHS) welcomes you to celebrate not just the agricultural but also the historical roots of Corrales at the “Historic Heart of Corrales Fiesta” at Old San Ysidro Church. And much of it is free or low cost! Just across the road will be complementary history-related events held at the famed Casa San Ysidro.

Activities at the Old Church will be ongoing throughout both days.

Outside, the grounds will be abuzz with activity. As you step off the hay wagon, you’ll be greeted by the ever-popular activities.

Fun Activities

Inside the Old Church:

Start tapping your toes with free musical entertainment! Performers of Traditional New Mexican, Latin and Folk Music will be center stage inside the Old Church, including Eli del Puerto Duo, singing bi-lingual songs and playing New Mexican music; Grupo Fiesta Trio playing traditional New Mexican music and folk and rock with a New Mexican twist; Mezcla Latina Quartet playing Spanish, Mexican
and New Mexican music; and Bayou Seco Duo playing a wide range of fiddle and banjo folk tunes from New Mexico to Louisiana and beyond.

Performance Schedule:

Saturday:

11am – 12pm, Eli del Puerto Duo
1 – 2pm, Grupo Fiesta Mariachi Trio

Sunday:

11am – 12pm, Mezcla Latina Quartet
1 – 2pm, Bayou Seco Folk Duo
(Schedules also available at www.CorralesHistory.org.)

All ages are welcome at the Children’s Table. Try your hand at modeling clay and coloring. Have fun drawing horses from Breyer models. Snap a selfie with our life-size horse model, “Fiesta.” One table over, treat your eyes to a beautiful bounty at the Corrales Farmers Harvest Table.
Don’t miss this other Mane Event… an in-depth display of the History of Horses in Corrales. Saddle up and discover what an integral part of life horses have played in the Village.

Take a trip back in time! CHS Archives will have antique utensils and tools on display, including cauldrons, a wine press and a cider press. Try your hand at corn grinding and butter churning, just like they did back in the day. And watch the fast and furious fingers of Margarita Sexson as she demonstrates ristra-making right before your eyes, both Saturday and Sunday.

Outside the Old Church:

The Popular Pie Walk returns for a sixth year – visitors love this event! Win homemade pies made from harvest favorites… apple, blueberry, peach, pumpkin, rhubarb, apricot, and more. It’s just $1 to walk, or dance! around the Pie Walk squares (all shiny and new this year). When the music stops, a number gets called – if you’re standing on that number, you win the pie of your choice! All proceeds go to the preservation of the Old Church.

Photo Ops Abound with fun face-cutout boards of farm scenes that will delight everyone with lasting souvenirs. Snap a picture atop an old tractor! The Old Church itself is considered one of the most authentic and well-maintained adobe churches in New Mexico. It’s a beautiful backdrop for a favorite photo memory. Take a snap of your BFF or kids in a “farm portrait” stand such as “American Gothic” and “Farmer on a Tractor.”

CHS docents will be selling Gifts and Souvenirs at Shop in a Basket, including notecards, books, tin ornaments and more. Pick up a little something to remember the day or start your holiday shopping early. All proceeds go to the preservation of the Old Church. There will also be CHS membership displays and information about the Old Church, a 155-year-old adobe structure and part of the Historic Heart of Corrales.

Enjoy the ambiance of old-time traditions! There will be corn hole and ring toss for the kids and other old-fashioned games that are just as much fun today.

2023 marks the 50th Anniversary of the formation of Corrales Historical Society. Come have a look at the extensive timeline detailing our unique area’s history.

Casa San Ysidro: Head across the street to Casa San Ysidro where you’ll find New Mexican artisans and vendors, music and dancers, blacksmithing, horno bread baking, spinning and weaving, kids’ activities and more.