Yes, it is possible to build with reed. In a space in the shade, in the Living Energy area, the attendees to the festival have discovered this alternative construction material in a workshop. Not so many years ago, this element was used in many structures, especially in the eastern, Catalan and coast of Cadiz. Today it has fallen into disuse, but this afternoons workshop has been enough to demonstrate its full potential. It is flexible, affordable, easy to handle and abundant.

Todays activity has aimed to build an arch only using reed and rope. The tools are simple, available to anyone who feels like trying. With a hammer, a machete and a knife we can build our own ecological structures. After cutting and stripping the reed comes the trickiest part. With patience and intuition attendees join the reeds together and gradually the bow takes shape.

The Rototom venue has now a new construction built taking advantage of the knowledge of our ancestors.

Sara Martí / Divina Carbonell