Tortugas Pueblo

Tortugas Pueblo

Tortugas Pueblo is a historic native community located south of Las Cruces. Its people trace back to the Piro, Manso, and Tiwa Natives connected to the Spanish missions of the El Paso and Rio Grande valleys.

During the 1800s, families from the declining mission communities around Paso del Norte, Ysleta del Sur, and Senecú moved north into the Mesilla Valley. The community later established a permanent settlement at Tortugas, obtaining land south of Las Cruces during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

In 1914, community members organized La Corporación de los Indígenas de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, which continues to maintain the pueblo’s land, ceremonies, cultural traditions, and community buildings.

Recognition Status

Tortugas Pueblo is not federally recognized, though it maintains its own leadership, ceremonies, and Indigenous identity. It may be eligible for federal recognition in the future, but the process is kind of crazy and can take decades. To learn more about the people, you can visit the Branigan Cultural Center.

Feast Days & Public Ceremonies

Some events may be open to visitors, while others are private, restricted to community members, or closed without notice. Access, schedules, and photography rules can change, so visitors should confirm directly with the Pueblo before attending.

• Weekend nearest June 24 — San Juan Fiesta and Turtle Fest, honoring Saint John the Baptist with food, music, dancing, family activities, and the annual Turtle Derby. Exact dates change each year.
• December 10–12 — Our Lady of Guadalupe Fiesta, featuring candlelight processions, an overnight vigil, traditional dances, a pilgrimage to Tortugas Mountain, Mass, a community meal, and a procession through the village.

Visiting Respectfully

New Mexico’s pueblos are living communities, not museums. They are sovereign tribal nations with their own governments, laws, and traditions. When visiting, remember that you are a guest on tribal land.

• Obey all posted signs and respect areas marked as private or off-limits.
• Do not photograph people, homes, religious activities, or ceremonies without permission.
• During dances and ceremonies, remain quiet and avoid crossing ceremonial areas.
• Do not remove pottery shards, artifacts, plants, or other objects from pueblo lands (you will be cursed).
• Observe all posted speed limits and traffic laws. Going 5 mph over can get you a ticket.