"Raiers" or Timber rafters

By Mireia Vilaspasa

Timber rafting is an old log transportation method in which logs are tied together into rafts and drifted down the river the "Noguera Pallaresa". It is very similar to log driving.

Photo by Blanca Martinez-Ribes

This is an old tradition from the Catalan Pyrenees and the "Raiers Festival", celebrated in La Pobla de Segur, wants to commemorate this historical way of transport along the river: the rafts, or tied logs.

It has been celebrated since 1979, and its main activity is the rafts descent, on a Sunday morning.

The days before, the guys from the village have been assembling the rafts, following the age-old traditions. The longs are tied together and they are bound with ropes made of birch. They also build a rudder and a mast, that are useful to drive the engine and also to hang things: dry cloth, food, wine, etc.

There is not easy to ride a raft, because the river is abundant and with a lot of stones that can difficult the trip. 

On Sunday, there is a lot of expectation at the arrival, with neighbors and tourists who want to see the show: brave rafters dressed as old riders. The rafts start in Llania Dam, and after 6 kilometres, they arrive at Claverol Bridge.