Jarugo's Apañada honors the Cabrera Cal

The coastal livestock gatherings of Fuerteventura were declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of a Non‑Material Character by the Government of the Canary Islands in 2025.

This past weekend the Apañada de Jarugo—one of the most striking events on the island—took place. Ranchers from the Puerto del Rosario cooperative gathered the coastal herds to identify and mark each animal according to its owner.

The coastal livestock gatherings are recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage, classified under “knowledge and uses related to nature, the sky and the sea.” The practice stems from the pre‑Hispanic society of the majos and remains deeply rooted in the municipalities of Antigua, Betancuria, Puerto del Rosario, and Pájara.

On this occasion, the ranchers of the Puerto del Rosario cooperative and the island’s authorities honored José Luis Cabrera Cabrera as a cornerstone of this ancient tradition. He has devoted his life to livestock and, above all, to defending a living memory of Fuerteventura.

Alongside José Luis, the ceremony also recognized his wife, Doña Isabel Calero, for her outstanding involvement in ranching and her role as guardian of the island’s customs and traditions.

New young participants also joined the Apañada de Jarugo, ensuring that the legacy—sustained with such strength and dignity by the Cabrera Calero family from Casillas del Ángel in the municipality of Puerto del Rosario—continues to thrive.