The medieval trade of raier has been declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity by Unesco in 2022
In winter, the raier felled fir and black pine trees of the Pyrenees and brought them closer to the river to later build rafts. They were platforms with trunks linked in parallel, on which the raiers used to go down the Segre river or the Noguera Pallaresa in summer. These boats could be up to 50 meters long and travelled to timber distribution points. It was quite an adventure for these young people who had never left home.
This trade has been preserved in towns in the Pyrenees of Lleida, such as La Pobla de Segur, El Pont de Claverol and Coll de Nargó since medieval times. The appearance of the first reservoirs in 1930 prevented river transport, which then moved to the roads. To preserve it, La Pobla de Segur and Coll de Nargó celebrate the Fiesta de los Raiers every summer.
The Unesco recognition of this trade as Intangible Heritage of Humanity recognises their work and effort, and the festival that commemorates the trade.
More information:
Associació Cultural dels Raiers de la Noguera Pallaresa: https://elsraiers.cat/
Oficina Comarcal de Turisme de l’Alt Urgell: http://www.alturgell.cat/turisme