El Vendrell, Tarragona, has started distributing wooden figures representing the town's popular culture groups and elements to local nursery and primary schools. These boxes, known as the 'Cercavila de Fusta' (Wooden Parade), aim to help children learn about the traditional dances, fire beasts, and imagery featured in the town's Festa Major and Fira parades.
Mariona Figueras, the Councillor for Popular Culture, explained that each school will receive a box. This ensures they always have the resource available to support their educational efforts in transmitting local traditions to students. The initiative provides a hands-on way for young people to engage with their heritage.
Strengthening Community Ties
Figueras added that these 'Cercavila de Fusta' boxes will help strengthen a sense of belonging among the town's youngest residents. By making these cultural elements accessible in schools, the council hopes to embed an appreciation for local customs from an early age. The figures serve as a tangible link to the community's history and celebrations.
The project builds on existing pedagogical work in schools that already focuses on local traditions. The wooden figures offer an additional tool, complementing current teaching methods and making the learning experience more interactive for children. This direct engagement with cultural symbols is expected to foster a deeper connection to El Vendrell's identity.
