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Demolition and construction of a bowling alley by cooperative labour. Apodaka (Álava), 1984. Isidro Sáenz de Urturi.

In the villages of Álava neighbours must contribute to the maintenance of common property: buildings, paths and fields. Such provision of services to the community is locally known as vereda.

The chair of the Administrative Board would summon the commission with a peal of bells; nowadays a circular is mailed to all houses. Back in the old days the circular was passed on from house to house. The chair of the board took it to the nearest house, from there it was passed onto the next, and so on until the circle was completed. The circular announced the day and time of the gathering. Should it be a working day, bells were rung at the appointed time as a reminder, and matters of small concern were treated on Sundays after mass. (more…)