Braa de La Pornacal is the largest and best-preserved braa among the hundreds in northwest Spain. Braas are seasonal settlements that are typical of Asturias or northern Len, and were traditionally inhabited by nomadic cattle-herders. Braa equinoccial is the type that is inhabited in spring and autumn. Braa de La Pornacal is nestled in the Cantabrian Mountains. This gives Braa dela Pornacal a stunning mountain view and a cooler climate than other areas of Spain which enjoy a warmer Mediterranean climate.Braa de La Pornacal's most striking feature is the teitos, thatched-roof cottages. These are the only braas that have them and they can be found most often in Somiedo. They should be rethatched every 15 years by teitadores (trained thatchers), using Scotch broom. Many structures throughout the region have been destroyed, but the ones in La Pornacal are the best preserved, with 34 structures in the braa. All of them teitos.The Asturias tradition of transhumance and cattle-herding used to be the dominant way of life. However, emigration has led to industrialization and the loss of this traditional way of life. Many braas that were once used annually by pastors are now ruined across the Cantabrian Mountains. Although it is unlikely that they ever lived there, the braa is often associated with the Vaqueiros of Alzada, an indigenous group from northern Len and western Asturias. Their braas are similar to La Pornacal, and they often use this braa to teach about their traditional nomadic lifestyle and Vaqueiro culture. You can find many Vaqueiro braas in the vicinity of La Pornacal. Cultural preservation and revival have been at the forefront of recent efforts to preserve and revive both Vaqueiro and non Vaqueiro cattle-herding culture.Braa de la Pornacal, one of Spain's lesser-known cultural landmarks, is home to many cultures that are very different from the traditional Spanish image. La Pornacal is located in the Cantabrians, surrounded by lush green forests and mountain passes that are perfect for nature-lovers. It is also connected to numerous hiking trails. Be sure to look out for the bizarre faces in the teitos.
