Torre del Bierzo hosts gold panning contest to honor mining heritage

Torre del Bierzo recently hosted the VII Gold Panning Contest, an event organized by the Fundación Cultura Minera and the local City Council to celebrate the region's mining heritage. More than one hundred participants gathered for the activity, which connects local history with the natural landscape of the area.

Eduardo Diego, the territorial delegate for the Junta de Castilla y León in León, served as the event's patron. During the proceedings, Diego emphasized that mining has historically been more than an economic activity, describing it as a way of life that shaped the identity, families, and landscapes of the Bierzo region. He also highlighted the importance of preserving collective memory through initiatives like the Mina-Escuela del Bierzo.

In addition to the gold panning, the event included visits to the local Mining Museum and a functioning live mine. The day also featured honors for several residents—Luis Martín, Pepita Merayo, Darío Zapico, and Visita Antolín—who were recognized for their contributions to the municipality.