The construction of swamps and reservoirs in the 60s left behind a flooded town, expropriations and places that never saw life in its streets again. This people of the Pyrenees were one of those sites that were deserted for the implementation of the reservoir that now bears the same name. However, this picturesque corner of Alto Gállego, has run better luck and its history is more special if possible to the grain of sand that have contributed hundreds of young people and adolescents.
We talk about Búbal, located in the municipality of Biescas. The upper part of this town, which is located above the road, never became flooded and, two decades after the neighbors left their homes, began a long and tedious recovery process. In 1984, his rehabilitation began with the educational recovery and use program of abandoned peoples (Test) together with Granadilla (Cáceres) and Umbalejo (Guadalajara), becoming a place of learning for thousands of students.
It was a pioneering program in which different public administrations participated at the state level (Ministry of Education, Public works, environment) and the government of Aragon, which is the current owner of the facilities. Young people from all places have since returned to the streets of Búbal their deserved splendor including the recovery of their parish church of the 18th century.
Young people from all places have since returned to the streets of Búbal their deserved splendor. Photo: Miriam Aparicio
A SCHOOL OF LIFE
At present and once the most physical part of the people’s rehabilitation, the program intends an approach to the rural life of young people who, for the most part, live in an urban world, favoring the improvement of attitudes that ensure the future balance of man with his environment.
Búbal is an educational resource for schools and institutes of all Spain that organize stays together with teaching in the classrooms. Students work in different areas: environmental education, health, emotional well -being, respect and coexistence, recovery of the cultural and physical environment. It has a lot of living in a more sustainable way, in making a digital disconnection.
The plan of activities that are developed there covers from the “Tajos” to leisure plans. Animals or garden are taken care of, gardening work is learned, firewood is cut and tasks are carried out for the general maintenance of the people. There are excursions on the surroundings of Búbaal, Talleres of Anthropology, Traditional Games, Theater and Activities to promote the emotional management of the participants. In short, promote and value the environment as well as cultural heritage.
Once the most physical part of the people’s rehabilitation is over, the program intends an approach to the rural life of young people. Photo: Miriam Aparicio
The people have an opening schedule for visitors with the aim of compatible with tourism with respect for the daily life of this great school of life. Búbal can be accessed from 12.00 to 14.00 and from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. There are even guided tours in July and August.
