The Cultural Significance of the Majorera’s Apañadas Recognized as Cultural Heritage

On April 24, 2024, the ancient tradition of the Majorera’s apañadas received official recognition as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC), a designation aimed at safeguarding cultural heritage in the Canary Islands. This resolution was passed during a plenary session of the Cultural Heritage Council in the Canary Islands, highlighting not only the apañadas themselves but also the dedicated livestock associations that continue this age-old practice. This acknowledgment comes alongside a list of existing cultural assets that embody the rich history of Fuerteventura, including historical buildings like mills, churches, and archaeological sites.

Understanding Apañadas: A Cultural Perspective

Apañadas are a unique aspect of livestock management on the coast of Fuerteventura, tracing their roots back to the indigenous mahos people. They involve gathering free-ranging livestock scattered across valleys and mountains into high stone-walled enclosures known as gambuesas. This traditional practice serves multiple purposes: it facilitates livestock management, allows for the marking of new livestock, and ensures the animals’ health, while also optimizing pasture usage—especially crucial in this arid environment.

In a recent interview, Rayco León, the Insular Councilor responsible for Culture and Heritage, elaborated on the cultural significance of this recognition. He explained that the apañadas represent a communal heritage that integrates traditional practices related to native species, such as the Bardino goat. The recognition as BIC not only elevates the awareness of this tradition but also secures its continuity for future generations.

Protecting Intangible Heritage

Protecting an immaterial heritage such as the apañadas poses unique challenges compared to safeguarding physical sites. As León pointed out, diverse methods exist to declare a BIC. In this case, protecting the apañadas will require collective effort from institutions, livestock farmers, and community members alike. Heightened awareness about the significance of these cultural expressions is essential for their conservation. Everyone involved must understand the identifiers that encapsulate this tradition—the gambuesas, the breeding practices, and the unique native livestock like the Bardino dog which assists in herding.

So how does one go about implementing protective measures for this intangible cultural heritage? León emphasized the role of local heritage committees that will prioritize the identification and promotion of the distinctive elements of the apañadas. By collaborating with relevant sectors, particularly the agricultural sector, efforts can be streamlined to maintain the balance between traditional livestock management and modern agricultural practices.

The Gambuesas: Architectural Significance and Historical Roots

The gambuesas are not only significant in terms of livestock management but also echo the architectural ingenuity of the island’s ancestors. They reflect a collaborative past, wherein communities would gather to manage their livestock—a practice evident in various archaeological sites on the island. The ongoing excavations and investigations will provide invaluable insights into how these structures were utilized across time.

Moreover, historical evidence correlates the gambuesas with the development of local specialties like cheese quality, which has long been a staple for the island’s inhabitants. During the discussion with León, he affirmed that these practices could be traced back to the time of the mahos, underlining the longstanding interconnection between cultural practices and the land’s ecological resources.

Current Associations Supporting the Tradition

To keep the spirit of the apañadas alive, six active associations guarantee the continuity of this practice. These include organizations like the Asociación de Ganaderos de Antigua and the Asociación Tradiciones y Costumbres Ganaderas del Mancomún de Betancuria. Each association plays a vital role in fostering traditional practices among livestock farmers and ensuring that the cultural knowledge associated with the apañadas is passed down through generations.

In 2022, several gambuesas remained in operation, such as the Gambuesa Tablero near Puerto del Rosario and others distributed across municipalities like Antigua and Pájara. The ongoing practices within these gambuesas serve as living testaments to Fuerteventura’s rich agricultural heritage.

New Recognitions in Cultural Heritage

With this recent acknowledgment, alongside other BIC declarations, such as the Sillas Victorieras and the theatrical production El Bien y el Mal, steps are in motion to fortify the preservation of these cultural treasures. The BIC status demands not only recognition but also action; thus, specific decrees will soon be established to formalize these protections.

During the Council meeting, Horacio Umpiérrez, the Vice Councillor of Culture and Cultural Heritage, reinforced the notion that declaring something as BIC carries the responsibility of its conservation. It symbolizes not just the protection of physical artifacts but also the living traditions that convey the collective memory of the people.

The apañadas are a vivid representation of Fuerteventura’s unique identity, intertwining agricultural practices with a rich cultural narrative. This recognition is not only a tribute to the past but is a rallying call for future generations to ensure that the essence of these traditions is preserved and celebrated.