Timber rafters enjoy first descent event as UNESCO-recognized tradition
Ancient Pyrenean occupation earned Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity status in December
The 34th Timber Rafters Coll de Nargó Descent was held on Saturday, and was a very special occasion for all involved, as it is the first such edition of this festival since being declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco last December.
In addition, the descent has changed its date for the first time and was held in the spring, with the aim of ensuring a flow in the Segre River that was as suitable as possible, given the loss of flow in many rivers happening in parallel to the ongoing drought situation.
In the end, the volume of water in the river was not the best, but it was enough to complete the route, which was extended and attracted hundreds of people up arrival at Clops de Fígols.
"We are very surprised, it is one of the descents with the biggest participation and it has worked very well" Àlex Ferré, president of the Coll de Nargó timber rafters, told the Catalan News Agency.