La Parranda Marinera de Buches, in collaboration with the Factum Foundation, which has headquarters in Madrid, London and Milan, has started an innovative second phase in its project to recover the emblematic buches of Lanzarote. This effort seeks to restore the original splendor to the dances and rituals that characterize this centuries-old tradition.
The artist, curator and cultural manager David Machado, coordinator of art, culture and heritage of the historical entity of Lanzarote, recently delivered a copy of buche to the Factum Foundation. This gesture marks the beginning of a research and development program that will employ cutting-edge technology to recreate the buches synthetically. Through a detailed process of 3D scanning, the texture, characteristics, sound and other material aspects of the buches will be captured, ensuring a faithful reproduction of the originals.
“This project is a priority to preserve the cultural and patrimonial legacy of Lanzarote, often diminished by not having acted in time. Now is the time to preserve a unique manifestation in the entire Canary archipelago and in the world”, said David Machado.
Towards recognition as Intangible Heritage
La Parranda Marinera de Buches is immersed in a process to be declared Intangible Heritage, first by the Government of the Canary Islands and later by UNESCO. After the successful recovery of its traditional boat in 2023—a Canarian boat rigged with a Latin sail and built by the master craftsman Agustín Jordán and sponsored by the Centers of Art, Culture and Tourism—this year they focus their efforts on two key projects: the restoration of the original clothing and the recovery of the large buches through advanced technologies.
Factum Foundation: Technology at the service of heritage
The Foundation is internationally recognized for its work in the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage through innovative techniques. Among its outstanding projects is the reconstruction of the colossal statue of the Emperor Constantine in Rome and the millimeter replica of the cave of Risco Caído in Gran Canaria.
“This project marks a differentiated line of action. We are especially excited to contribute to the safeguarding of the tradition of Los Buches, a project that personally seems fascinating to me”, said Adam Lowe, president of the Factum Foundation.”
Adam Lowe, British artist and curator, has revolutionized the field of conservation through the use of advanced technologies to create detailed facsimiles of historical works, such as the tomb of Tutankhamun. His work merges art, science and technology to preserve and expand access to global culture.
Sol Costales, coordinator of digitization and conservation projects at Factum, added: “It is exciting and our team is prepared to take on this challenge with enthusiasm. We have experience in this type of action and we hope to contribute to the conservation of this tradition so important for the Canary Islands”.
A promising future for Los Buches with the support of the Centers of Art, Culture and Tourism
The Factum Arte team has already begun the exhaustive analysis of the buche, examining its texture, color, sound and structure. This work will allow the elaboration of a technical project that, through the Parranda Marinera de Buches, will be presented to the Centers of Art, Culture and Tourism of the Cabildo of Lanzarote. It is expected that this public business entity will continue to support the maintenance and care of this fundamental cultural manifestation.
The recovery of the buches will not only preserve a unique tradition in the Canary Islands, but will also strengthen the cultural identity of Lanzarote and offer new opportunities for cultural and educational tourism in the traditional festivities of the island.
