The “Los Mariantes” Tradition Revives the Sea’s Memory

‘Encuentros con el Patrimonio’ offers a colloquium on the memory of the mariantes and a historic tour in Ajuy

The Cabildo of Fuerteventura, through its Cultural Heritage department, is launching a new cycle of Encuentros con el Patrimonio with the colloquium “Los mariantes: living memories of the sea.” The event will take place on May 16 at 6:00 p.m. in the Cultural Center of Ajuy (municipality of Pájara).

Participants will include León and Horacio Avero Umpiérrez, fishermen from Ajuy who have been mariantes since childhood, together with Juan José Betancort Roger, a member of the association Los Mariantes.

The colloquium will adopt a participatory format to discuss:

• The importance of transmitting and reconstructing the knowledge of traditional fishing.
• The essential role of the mariantes, whose expertise has been passed down through generations.

Attendees will have the chance to hear personal life stories and recollections that form a living memory, crucial for preserving and not forgetting a fundamental part of the island’s history, culture, and heritage.

“Patrimonio Cultural, directed by Rayco León, develops ‘Encuentros con el Patrimonio’ with the aim of opening a space for reflection and knowledge about the island’s heritage from a close‑up perspective.”

Historical Tour

In addition, on May 24 starting at 9:00 a.m., a guided historic tour will run from Llano del Sombrero to Puerto de la Peña. The route, set in the Ajuy area, is designed to:

• Showcase Fuerteventura’s cultural heritage.
• Bring participants through different stages of the island’s history.
• Identify and interpret the archaeological remains that have survived to the present day, fostering a more conscious and respectful appreciation of this legacy.

To promote sustainability, the Cabildo will provide a minibus service with departures from Puerto del Rosario, Antigua, and Tuineje for those who request it.

How to join:

• Interested persons must register in advance via the Cultural Heritage website: https://patrimoniofuerteventura.com/

These activities are part of the “May 100 % Canarias” program organized by the Cabildo’s Department of Culture, aimed at highlighting Canary traditions, artistic expressions, and local creators.