Paper short abstract:

This study shows, on the example of the Water Tribunal of Valencia (Spain), the importance of a traditional institution that contributes to the strengthening of the local community by passing on oral tradition regarding rules of using water, an element of crucial importance to the inhabitants of the region.

Paper long abstract:

The aim of this study is to bring closer to our knowledge the history of The Water Tribunal of Valencia (el Tribunal de las Aguas de la Vega de Valencia), an institution deeply rooted in this region of Spain.

From its foundation many centuries ago, it sets out rules of using the basic good - water - without which la Vega de Valencia would not exist, and until this day is still present in official laws. Because of that it has not only been an element of greatest importance for the farmers of this fertile land, but above all, an important aspect in shaping social relationships in this community. Its exceptional processes have been conducted verbally and the tribunal rulings, although never put in writing, have always been decisive for the gathering.

As the Water Tribunal is a great example of intangible cultural heritage, we think that it is of utmost relevance to follow and transmit its practices to sustain this cultural practice, as it is showing how the ritual of weekly gatherings has contributed to the oral transmission of customs, preserving them almost unchanged over the history by passing it from generation to generation. By this it has helped to strengthen the local community, that has always not only respected its rulings but also collaborated actively in the process that we intend to thoroughly describe obtaining with this the full picture of one of the oldest judicial institutions in Europe and its impact on creating social relationships between the inhabitants of la Vega de Valencia.