Intangible heritage associated with water

The unique biocultural capital of a living cultural landscape and the intangible heritage associated with water culture.
<i>Hórreo</i> in Chouzán
Hórreo in Chouzán
© R. Vilanova
Water mine in Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil
Water mine in Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil
© R. Vilanova
<i>Hórreo</i> in Pombeiro
Hórreo in Pombeiro
© R. Vilanova
Fountain in Pombeiro
Fountain in Pombeiro
© R. Vilanova

The names of the main rivers of the Ribeira Sacra come from Palaeo-European roots meaning water. Such is the essence of this humid land, also steeped in the immaterial spirit of water, which survives in the spells of the mouras that guard its springs; in the fiery treasures, which will always end up submerged in the river; in the love of its people for the xacias, which dwell in the deep wells of the rivers; in those arms offered to the Sil, in that "religion of the springs"; or in the divine waters that Martiño de Dumio, founder of the first monastic communities of this Ribeira, pursued.

The river grape harvest, the numerous festivals and traditions, the sacralisation of springs and the survival of a multitude of unique hydronyms.


1,020 unique toponyms in the Ribeira Sacra area

The muiñeira, a traditional Galician musical composition, has a 6/8 beat that was created from the toothed gear of a mill.
Ribeira Sacra
Xunta de Galicia
Ministerio de cultura
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