Almadías traveling along the rivers of the Navarre valleys, a unique sight to be enjoyed.
In the incredible landscapes of the Navarre valleys of the Pyrenees, an event that recalls the past and history of their ancestors takes place. In the rivers of cold waters of this environment we will enjoy a festival of national tourist interest called “the day of the Almadía”. Do you want to know more about the Almadía? Do not miss the following 5 points in which we explain everything related to the Almadías of Navarra.
Almadía in Burgui
What is Almadía? The Almadía is a raft created only with natural elements.
The Almadía is usually made up of trunks of the same length tied together by “homemade ropes” made of hazel, wicker or other natural elements of similar characteristics, with oars at the bow and stern.
Almadía
What are the Almadieros? The almadieros are all those people who navigate in an Almadía downriver, fighting against all natural elements, to get the logs safely to their destination point.
The current and weather conditions were a handicap to overcome for the Almadieros. Accidents were frequent and many men lost their lives in them. A very risky job that created a way of life in Navarre.
What is Almadía Day? The “Day of the Almadía” is the day in which we remember and honor all those who dedicated their lives to this historic trade. Almadía and almadieros united by a single objective, to make known part of the history of Navarre and its Pyrenean valleys.
Burgui
This festival declared of national tourist interest is usually held on May 2, not only enjoy the Almadías, we will also have the opportunity to see the rural sports of Navarra, taste the dishes that make up the popular food of Burgui and many other typical activities of the area in which we find ourselves.
Where can we enjoy the Almadía day? The day of the Almadía has as its main event the descent of several Almadías down the river Eska. The destination of these Almadías is none other than the village of Burgui – Burgi and its imposing medieval bridge. Undoubtedly, the jump of the dam is one of the most awaited moments of the whole route.
History of the Almadía: In order to understand this tradition, we must go back to the middle of the 18th century. It is at this time that the Navarros began to sail the rivers in Almadías. The Almadías crossed the waters of the rivers of the Navarrese Pyrenean valleys of Roncal, Salazar and Aezcoa. The main source of income in these valleys was logging, but it was not an easy task because the terrain conditions did not allow the logs to be transported to better connected places, so they decided to take the river as a means of transport.
Construction of the Almadía
Enjoy the day of the Almadía remembering what was once a trade. If you are thinking of enjoying this historic event, do not hesitate and enjoy the best way to understand and learn part of our history.
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