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.