Corrales de Pesca : The Fishing weirs of Chipiona

For young members of Jarife, joining the common usually begins at a very early age, with families signing them up to keep the tradition alive. Many young commoners, like David, were introduced to the weirs simply by joining family outings, often at night. “I started going to the tide very young, first just accompanying my father, and then later going alone when I was able to,” he recalls. Growing up, he continued his visits to the corrales, taking on more responsibility as he learned the skills to sustain the weirs. Today, his connection to the weirs goes beyond practical knowledge. For him, it’s deeply personal—a link to his family’s past and to the timeless nature of the corrales. As he explains, “Especially during night tides, in complete darkness, I think about how many people have done exactly what I’m doing now, long before me. It’s a feeling that connects me to my ancestors.” In Chipiona, the corrales are visible from the beaches and are often mistaken by tourists as natural formations. For the young members of Jarife, it’s both amusing and exasperating to see visitors snapping pieces of corrales, unaware of the history and effort that have gone into constructing these stone fishing weirs. 

For many women in Jarife, their connection to the weirs has been a lifelong part of Chipiona’s community life. One member, Maria, a 54-year-old homemaker, has known about the weirs all her life but she started partaking later on. “I don’t go often, but when I do, it’s wonderful,” she shares, adding that she usually goes fish harvesting with a friend. While she might not have the same daily ties to the corrales as other commoners, her connection runs deep. “Seeing the weirs and knowing they were nearly lost makes me feel like I’m part of something important”.

Her visits to the weirs are a way of reconnecting with her hometown’s traditions, and though she’s not directly involved in their upkeep, she’s proud of what Jarife stands for. For her, the weirs are more than just places to capture fish and other marine species. They symbolize Chipiona’s identity and resilience—qualities she hopes to pass down to future generations. “I’d love to know we’ve given our children at least what we received from our elders,” she reflects. “It’s not just about preserving the environment; it’s about keeping a unique part of our heritage alive.”

With the younger generation carrying on the work, and the women continuing to infuse the community with strength and pride, Jarife remains a resilient force in Chipiona. As the association advocates for policies that will support the weirs’ preservation, its members strive to pass down the knowledge and values that make Jarife unique. In a world where traditions are increasingly difficult to maintain, the corrales de pesca stand as symbols of what can be achieved when communities come together. As one member said, “The weirs are part of us. When you’re out there, you feel connected—not only to the sea but to all the people who were here before.” For Jarife, that connection is as enduring as the tide itself, renewing with each generation.