{"id":7657,"date":"2026-03-03T13:49:42","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T13:49:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alberdimakila.com\/?p=7657"},"modified":"2026-03-03T13:49:42","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T13:49:42","slug":"relevo-generacional-the-makila-at-madrid-design-festival-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alberdimakila.com\/en\/relevo-generacional-the-makila-at-madrid-design-festival-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Relevo Generacional: the makila at Madrid Design Festival 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Basque makila<\/strong> as a symbol of continuity<\/h2>\n

As part of Madrid Design Festival 2026<\/strong>, we collaborated with artist Kavita Parmar<\/strong> to present Relevo Generacional<\/em>, a project exploring generational continuity in traditional crafts.<\/p>\n

For us, as Basque makila makers<\/strong>, preserving the traditional Basque makila<\/strong> is a daily commitment.
How can we ensure the traditional Basque walking stick<\/strong> remains relevant to future generations?
How can the knowledge embedded in the Basque makila<\/strong> endure in a rapidly changing world?<\/p>\n

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What is Relevo Generacional?<\/h2>\n

Kavita Parmar\u2019s vision is rooted in a non-linear sense of time. In her culture, past and present share the same concept: KAL<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The project emphasizes responsibility, not nostalgia. Innovation is not breaking with the past\u2014it is conscious transformation.
In a fast-paced technological world, it asks: how can technology support the Basque makila<\/strong> and Basque craftsmanship<\/strong>?<\/p>\n

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From loquat<\/strong> trees to the Basque makila<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Every Basque makila<\/strong> starts in the medlar<\/strong> forest.
Our Basque makila makers<\/strong> select the best branches and make precise incisions in spring so natural relief patterns form over months.<\/p>\n

This process distinguishes an authentic traditional Basque walking stick<\/strong> from any generic walking stick.
Winter harvest ensures only the strongest branches are selected.
Each traditional Basque makila<\/strong> is unique, reflecting generations of skill and patience.<\/p>\n

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Craftsmanship and long timelines<\/h2>\n

Creating a Basque makila<\/strong> can take five to ten years:<\/p>\n

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    Slow natural drying<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Gradual straightening<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Hand-carved reliefs and engraving<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Assembly and polishing<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Every step embodies Basque craftsmanship<\/strong>, where time itself is a material. A traditional Basque walking stick<\/strong> is measured by the care of its process, not speed.<\/p>\n

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    Tradition supported by technology<\/h2>\n

    Digital tools allow the Basque makila<\/strong> to reach international audiences.
    Basque makila makers<\/strong> can preserve traditional skills while expanding globally.<\/p>\n

    Technology does not replace the traditional Basque makila<\/strong>.
    It amplifies it, increasing cultural value and visibility.<\/p>\n

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    The forest as a metaphor for generational relay<\/h2>\n

    Marking a medlar<\/strong> tree is a gesture across time.
    The son follows his father\u2019s steps. The branch grows. The craftsman waits.<\/p>\n

    Every Basque makila<\/strong> embodies this patience: a living continuity, a memory shared between wood and human. It is an authentic traditional Basque walking stick<\/strong>, resulting from intergenerational care.<\/p>\n

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    Installation: design, memory, and future<\/h2>\n

    In Kavita Parmar\u2019s installation, the Basque makila<\/strong> is central.
    Each vertical stick illustrates repetition and variation: the same gesture, uniquely realized each time.
    The exhibition asks how design and technology can amplify Basque craftsmanship<\/strong> without erasing tradition.<\/p>\n

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    The Basque makila<\/strong> in the 21st century<\/h2>\n

    The traditional Basque makila<\/strong> does not need trends to survive.
    It needs continuity.
    Generational relay is cultural, technical, and ethical.<\/p>\n

    Every step\u2014from marking the loquat<\/strong> to finishing the traditional Basque walking stick<\/strong>\u2014shows deliberate care. The Basque makila<\/strong> exists because generations chose to sustain it.<\/p>\n

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    To continue is to care<\/h2>\n

    Relevo Generacional<\/em> reminds us that to continue is not to repeat, but to actively preserve the craft.
    Supporting the traditional Basque makila<\/strong> and Basque craftsmanship<\/strong> is a conscious choice, ensuring future generations can walk with these objects of memory and identity.<\/p>\n

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    Amazon y Kavita Parmar abordan el desaf\u00edo del relevo generacional en los oficios tradicionales espa\u00f1oles en Madrid Design Festival<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n