Rural life and landscapes in the Arribes region of Spain

In the village of Villar del Río, five women—Ana Mari, María Isabel, Esperanza, Sole, and Aurora—shared their experiences regarding the evolution of rural life in the Tierras Altas region. Marking International Rural Women's Day, the women recounted the hardships of past generations, including the lack of running water, the physical toll of manual labor, and the brevity of childhood for girls who often left school by age 14 to assist with domestic duties.

Nearby, the Arribes region, spanning the provinces of Salamanca and Zamora along the Portuguese border, maintains a distinct way of life characterized by its rugged geography. The landscape features the Duero River flowing through canyons with rock walls reaching 200 meters in height, surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and vineyards. The area is noted for its DO Arribes wine route and a community of residents and entrepreneurs who prioritize a calm lifestyle in harmony with the natural environment.