Nestled in the serene landscape of Navarre, Spain, the quaint village of Orrio has upheld a beautiful tradition since 1780. With a tight-knit population of just 50, ten families take turns caring for a historic clock that has occupied the bell tower of their parish church for 244 years.
The Tradition’s Origins
This time-honored practice began on November 25, 1780, when master clockmaker Miguel Lazaro de Garriz set up the clock alongside village officials and local residents, firmly establishing its significance in Orrio. Maite Marañón, a passionate 50-year-old villager, explained that despite owning their own clocks, these families remain committed to this ritual.
Marañón, who relocated to Orrio ten years ago, found it remarkable that the villagers gather every month to wind the clock together. After speaking with a watchmaker friend, she learned that the clock’s unique horizontal sprocket wheel confirms its 18th-century roots. The joint effort of the community has safeguarded what is now considered the oldest operational clock in Navarre—and possibly in all of Spain. Though formal documentation is lacking, the villagers take pride in this extraordinary distinction.
Community Efforts and Challenges
For Marañón, the heart of the tradition lies in the unity of the community. Even in an era dominated by modern timekeeping devices, the residents treasure the monthly ritual of winding the clock, a task that poses physical challenges. Climbing to the clock tower and managing the heavy weights requires strength and determination, but it reinforces their dedication to preserving their cultural heritage.
This collective endeavor carries historical weight, as the families once alternated duties related to preparing the sacristy for religious services along with clock maintenance. As Marañón meticulously transcribed historical records, she discovered details linking the community’s clock-winding schedule to the date of its installation in November.
While the monthly ritual has endured for nearly two and a half centuries, the villagers face obstacles in keeping up with these time-honored traditions today. The once-annual responsibilities now feel overwhelming in the modern context. Although automation could help ensure the clock’s ongoing functionality, financial constraints loom large, with estimated restoration costs around €8,000, a significant burden on the village’s limited budget. The residents have sought assistance from the regional government, but a response is still awaited.
Preserving Heritage for Future Generations
In a positive development, families have joined forces with Yeregi Elkartea, a non-profit organization focused on restoring tower clocks. Led by Xabier Yeregi, a descendant of a long line of clockmakers, the organization highlights the vital role that these timepieces play in sustaining village life. Yeregi passionately articulates the belief that preserving the clockworks will ensure the bells continue to toll, strengthening community bonds.
Marañón echoes this sentiment, recalling how the bells evoke cherished memories for the village’s elders. Bernito, an 89-year-old local, fondly remembers a repairman from his youth who compared the clock to a living entity, emphasizing the care it requires, akin to nurturing a family. The lovely tradition of children winding the clock for a small reward symbolizes the continuity and sense of community that defines life in Orrio.
However, the efforts to preserve historical clocks extend beyond Orrio. Nearby in Aldaba, residents are actively working to protect their clock heritage as well. Home to some founders of the Association of Friends of the Tower Clocks of Navarre, the town is dedicated to cataloging and safeguarding its horological treasures, responding to the risk of losing these invaluable artifacts, which number between 400 and 600 and face deterioration.
To date, the Yeregi association has successfully restored around 70 to 80 clocks dating from 1800 to 1850, employing non-invasive techniques that honor the craftsmanship of the past. Their approach hinges on community collaboration, known as “auzolan,” ensuring every voice contributes to the restoration process.
Aldaba’s revitalization efforts deserve attention. Residents have pooled together over €130,000 to restore their church and its clock, aiming to revive the once-silent bells that resonate with their village identity. Their dedication embodies the desire to maintain not just the clock itself but also the very heartbeat of their community.
Through their commitment and cooperation, these villages celebrate their legacy, illustrating the importance of community spirit and the preservation of shared history. Together, they honor the past while inspiring future generations to embrace the beauty of tradition.
Source: Elpais
