What is our mission?

The South Valley of Albuquerque has a unique history. The Association strongly believes in educating the young people of this community in the cultural patrimony of the South Valley. This includes transmitting the history, oral traditions, and all the arts to the young. 
 The key ingredient in this educational effort is the annual construction and burning of the effigy of the Cucui, The coco of Hispanic oral tradition, here spelled as Kookooee. This annual event serves as a focus, drawing the community and the schools into participating in a broad spectrum of activities that will enhance the educational opportunitites of all the citizens of the South Valley.
The Association will engage in activities including organizing the annual burning of El Kookooee in effigy educatiing students in visual arts, literature, and creative writing, educating the public in the cultural tradition of El Kookooee, and other activities that advance the purposes of the Association, including fundraisers.