HERITAGE RECOVERY THROUGH SOCIAL MEMORY

THE ROAD TO PALCA DE APARZO, A DREAM COME TRUE

Abstract

The preservation and protection of heritage are fundamental to transmitting a society's history, values and traditions to future generations. In collaboration with the local inhabitants, a documentary was made that compiles the history of the road linking Humahuaca with Palca de Aparzo. This road, formerly a bridle path built by the inhabitants due to a lack of support from the provincial authorities, was later transformed into a route that allowed the connection between localities and improved the quality of life of the region inhabitants.

This essay recounts the experience of the Cultural Heritage Protection Institute and its volunteer program belonging to the Office of the Ombudsman of Jujuy in Palca de Aparzo. The present work describes the journey made to compile the history of the road and stops at the different points where improvised camps were set up during the construction. It highlights the effort and sacrifice of local workers who managed to accomplish this work. It also highlights the importance of preserving the history of these events, which prevents them from being lost in oblivion, and the need to record oral accounts to keep alive the community heritage, history and identity.