The Old Dock of Corralejo hosted this Sunday a new edition of 'Encounters with Heritage', focused on fishing legacy. Veteran fishermen shared their experiences and ancestral techniques.
Traditional fishing was the main focus this Sunday in Corralejo, where the Old Dock became the stage for a new installment of the 'Encounters with Heritage' series. Organised by the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, the event brought together fishermen who, through their stories, painted a picture of a trade that has defined the identity of the island's north for generations.
The meeting, framed within the Fiestas del Carmen, highlighted Corralejo's historical connection to the sea. It is no coincidence that fishing was for decades the main livelihood for many families in the locality, when it had barely fifty houses and part of the population would seasonally move to the islands of Lobos or Majanicho to fish.
Voices from the Sea: Fishermen Share Their Legacy
The discussion, moderated by sociologist and anthropologist Allende Gutiérrez Lima, featured Cristian Trujillo, Francisca Perdomo, Ismael Perdomo, and José Perdomo. They all took a journey through the evolution of traditional fishing through their own experiences, from the most rudimentary techniques to the recent changes in the sector.
Attendees learned about techniques such as fishing for old fish with horn rods, the use of traps or nets, as well as traditional methods of preserving fish using salt or jarea. There was also discussion about navigation guided solely by known “marks”, natural references that allowed fishermen to locate fishing spots before the advent of GPS.
The Role of Women in Fishing: A Necessary Recognition
One of the most emotional moments came with the recognition of the role of women in the fishing community. Francisca Perdomo recalled how they participated in preparing bait, salting, and selling fish, as well as taking on much of the family organisation while men were fishing. Sometimes, women even accompanied fishermen and assisted with tasks on board.
The Cultural Heritage Councillor of the Cabildo, Rayco León, emphasised that “the best way to preserve heritage is by listening to those who have lived it. The memory of our fishermen is part of Fuerteventura's identity, and encounters like this allow us to pass that knowledge on to new generations.”
For his part, the mayor of La Oliva, Isaí Blanco, expressed gratitude that the initiative was held in Corralejo, coinciding with the Fiestas del Carmen, which recognises “the deep bond of this town with fishing tradition and a way of life that has contributed to building our collective history.”
A Legacy at Risk: The Loss of Generational Transition
The meeting also served to reflect on the changes experienced by the sector and the progressive loss of generational transition. Among the most repeated messages was the assertion of the term “coastal” as a source of pride and identity linked to the sea and the municipality's roots. Participants agreed on the need to preserve knowledge that is part of Fuerteventura's intangible cultural heritage.
'Encounters with Heritage' is a series promoted by the Cultural Heritage area of the Cabildo to disseminate the material and immaterial heritage of the island. Through dialogue with its protagonists, the initiative promotes the conservation of collective memory and the transmission of traditions that define the identity of the island.
For the residents of Corralejo and the rest of Fuerteventura, this event represents a unique opportunity to connect with their roots and appreciate a trade that, although in decline, remains alive in the memory of those who experienced it. Upcoming events in the series will be announced through the Cabildo's channels.
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