Nabateros Revive Ancient River Logging Tradition in Spain

In Huesca, Spain, hundreds gather as the Sobarbe region revives the tradition of navigating the Cinca River on nabatas—rafts built from bound tree trunks. For centuries, nabateros used these vessels to transport wood from the Sobarbe forests to lower lands. Dams and roads caused the practice to decline in the early 20th century, but the Spanish Civil War briefly spurred its return.

The Association of Nabateros del Sobrarbe formed in 1983 to preserve the craft and now stages symbolic descents. Javier Garcés, the association’s vice president, learned the skill from older nabateros starting at age eighteen. He and president Félix Buil describe the descent as a demanding experience requiring precise teamwork, and acknowledge the risk of the rafts becoming lodged on rocks.

This year’s 40th commemorative descent on May 24th will feature three nabatas each crewed by six people, and the river is expected to be particularly challenging due to spring runoff. The association focuses on attracting younger members to ensure the tradition continues, as passing on the knowledge proves vital.