The Deputy Minister of Culture of the Junta de Castilla y León joined the main day of the Bolaños pilgrimage, a traditional event that brings together hundreds of faithful and visitors each year. During her speech, the regional representative emphasized the need to protect these cultural and religious manifestations, considered intangible heritage of the community. The event combined liturgical acts, processions, and festive activities.
Technology at the service of tradition: digital mapping of pilgrimage routes 🗺️
To preserve the legacy of the pilgrimage, some local associations have begun documenting the route using global positioning systems and photogrammetry. The goal is to create an interactive map that allows future generations to follow the procession virtually. Additionally, historical archives and oral testimonies are being digitized to ensure that the details of the celebration are not lost over time. The initiative seeks to balance popular fervor with the technical conservation of intangible heritage.
The sacred and the earthly: when the pilgrimage becomes a technological event 📱
While the Deputy Minister spoke of tradition, a group of attendees took the opportunity to live stream from their mobile phones. Some pilgrims, more concerned about their phone battery than the procession, shared selfies with the saint. The paradox is evident: intangible heritage is defended while it goes viral with Instagram filters. At least, if faith is lost, the data in the cloud will always remain.