Discover Valencia's Water Tribunal: Intangible Cultural Heritage

The Tribunal de las Aguas de Valencia, or Water Tribunal of the Plains of Valencia, is one of our most unique examples of intangible cultural heritage. It is even protected by UNESCO. The city of València is the setting for a tradition that you can now learn about in just one click on our video blog Mediterráneo en Acción.

What is the Water Tribunal?

It is a tribunal that resolves any problems that may arise in distributing water for irrigation in a large number of municipalities throughout the Turia River Valley. The Water Tribunal and its history probably date back to Roman times, but this body as we know it has come down to us functioning as it was established in the Arab period.

The representatives or trustees for each of the irrigation channels, a total of eight people, who must be farmers working land belonging to each irrigation basin, meet publicly. One of them is elected to serve as president.

But how does it work? These representatives, dressed in traditional peasant smocks, meet outdoors and ask aloud if anyone has any complaints or problems, calling out in turn for each of the irrigation channels: Quart, Benàger-Faitanar, Mislata-Chirivella, Favara, Rovella, Tormos, Mestalla and Rascanya.

As for where and when the Tribunal de las Aguas is held, it meets at the Gothic gate of the cathedral or Puerta de los Apóstoles, next to the Plaza de la Virgen. The event takes place every Thursday at 12 noon and is a truly special occasion.

We invite you to experience it live on a getaway to València! You will love the setting of the historical centre, and you can find out about other things to do in the city by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Come and enjoy our heritage!