Día de la Almadía in Burgui

Día de la Almadía revives the historic river transport of timber from Navarre's Pyrenean valleys in Burgui. Its centrepiece is the descent of several log rafts along the River Esca, including the drop over the weir and the arrival beside the medieval bridge.

Celebration date

The festival is usually held in late April or early May. Its precise date changes each year and is set in the programme published by the Asociación Cultural de Almadieros Navarros.

See the Día de la Almadía 2026 programme.

Location and route

Burgui, in the Roncal Valley, hosts the market, dances, music, Museo de la Almadía and public activities. The rafts navigate the River Esca and complete their most eagerly awaited section by passing over the weir before reaching the village.

Province: Navarre.

Autonomous community: Navarre.

The rafters' craft

An almadía is a raft made from sections of logs joined with plant-fibre lashings, with oars at the front and rear for steering. For centuries, rivers carried timber out of the Roncal, Salazar and Aézcoa valleys to places where it could be sold and processed.

Construction involves preparing and squaring the logs, boring holes, tying them into sections and assembling them in the river. Navigation was hazardous: Burgui's weir and other difficult points along the journey demanded experience and teamwork.

Events and traditions

  • The timber-raft descent and welcome on the riverbank.
  • A traditional market, music, dances and craft demonstrations.
  • Opening of the Museo de la Almadía and activities along the Pueblo de los Oficios trail.
  • Presentation of the Almadía de Oro to people or organisations connected with culture, sport or science.
  • A communal meal and cultural and family activities throughout the day.

Recognition

Día de la Almadía is a Festival of National Tourist Interest. Timber rafting, the wider tradition of building and navigating wooden rafts that includes Navarre's almadías, was inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2022.

Sources