Spain Threshing and winnowing at La Fuliola, Catalonia Threshing with a threshing sledge at La Fuliola Sledges such as these were used in Catalonia until the mid 20th century, to chop straw and thresh grain. This example is shown in use during the 1998 threshing festival at La Fuliola.
Ecological tourism is a major emphasis in Catalonia.
At such festivals, traditional agricultural techniques are brought to life, as they used to be until some twenty years ago. Younger persons learn skills by imitation from skilled elders at the festival, which is heavily attended by local people of all ages. Winnowing at La Fuliola Winnowing of the chopped wheat sheaves on the earthen threshing floor after use of the threshing sledge provides clean grain, as well as straw for bedding, building and animals. In 1998 and 1999 archaeologists demonstrated the types of sickles and threshing sledges which were in use 5,000 years ago. Flint blades were often used in place of iron ones.