Preserving our past to enrich our future is not merely an act of conservation. It's an endeavor of love, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the heritage that makes us who we are. This has been a motto on Rural Hackers, as we always say Rural areas of Galicia are becoming severely depopulated. This fact jeopardises a way of living, endangers a whole tradition, and disconnects us from our roots. We recently had the privilege of witnessing this noble effort of preservation of memories in the spellbinding village of Anceu, a place rich in history and culture.
Lavinia, a Rural Hackers resident, is a visionary person with a deep passion for history, photography and community development. As soon as she landed in Anceu she met Loreto, a local from Anceu and they started to combine their shared zeal for heritage to embark on an extraordinary voyage through time. They were fueled by the immense support of the Anceu villagers, a community that shares a profound connection to their history and collective memories.
Their journey led to the collection of old photographs, each one capturing a unique moment, an individual story, a fragment of Anceu past. These were not mere images; they were portals into the yesteryears, offering glimpses of the lives and experiences of those who once inhabited the village, and whose legacy continues to shape its present and future.
The result of their endeavour was an exquisite exhibition, 'Lembranzas de Anceu', translating to 'Memories of Anceu'. This exhibition was an invitation to take a stroll down memory lane, experiencing the joy, sorrow, triumphs, and everyday life of Anceu's inhabitants over the decades.
This project was more than a tribute to the past; it was an acknowledgement of the community's shared narratives, a celebration of their indomitable spirit, and the power of collaborative preservation. It served as a testament to the magic that unfolds when we come together to honour our history, while simultaneously envisaging a future that pays homage to these roots.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Lavinia, Loreto, and the people of Anceu, who generously shared their precious memories, and in doing so, reminded us of the power of collaboration, the beauty of our shared history, and the importance of preserving it. Together, they have woven a tapestry of nostalgia that will continue to inspire us as we move forward, carrying the past with us into the future.