There’s something a little different to see in Redován this Sunday, August 30, when La Gramaera shows visitors how people once turned hemp into everyday items such as rope, thread and espadrilles.
The association’s annual demonstration starts at 11:00 in the courtyard of CEIP Sagrados Corazones and forms part of the Redován fiestas.
Everyone is welcome, so you don’t need to live locally to go along. It’s a chance for residents and visitors from across the Vega Baja and Costa Blanca to see a traditional local trade in action.
A trade that was once part of everyday life
Hemp work played an important role in Redován and other parts of the Vega Baja for much of the 20th century.
It became particularly important during the post-war years, when people used hemp fibre to make a wide range of practical products, including thread, ropes and footwear.
That began to change during the 1960s as manufacturers increasingly used plastics and other materials. Demand for hemp products fell and the traditional work gradually disappeared.
La Gramaera was founded in 1977 to help preserve this part of Redován’s history. The association has held its public hemp-working demonstrations since 1981, giving new generations the chance to see skills that were once familiar across the area.
Watch how hemp was traditionally worked
Sunday’s demonstration will show visitors the different stages involved in preparing and working hemp.
Members of La Gramaera will explain what happens after workers soak the hemp and leave it to dry. They will then demonstrate how they prepare the fibre and turn it into thread, ropes and other useful items.
Visitors can also watch how people traditionally made espadrilles using hemp.
It’s a practical look at a type of work that once supported families across the Vega Baja but has now largely disappeared from everyday life.
Part of the Redován fiestas
The demonstration takes place as part of the town’s fiestas, with live music adding to the morning’s activities.
Food and refreshments will also be available.
Bridging the Gap’s recap
- What: Traditional hemp-working demonstration by La Gramaera
- Where: CEIP Sagrados Corazones, Redován
- When: Sunday, August 30
- Time: From 11:00
- Entry: Open to everyone
- What you’ll see: Traditional hemp preparation, thread and rope making, and espadrille making
- Also: Live music, food and refreshments
- La Gramaera: Founded in 1977 and holding public demonstrations since 1981
