La Riada, the magic place of the Trucadors

In the extreme north of the island of Formentera, in the area of Es Trucadors, "La Riada" is to be found, a singular place built by Johannes Schultz, with stones and other materials washed up on the coast from the sea. The creator started the installation in 1992, and for over 10 years the work has stayed standing, resisting the strength of the sea and weather, including the great storm that affected the whole island in November 2001.

You won't miss La Riada, as a whole series of stones and sculptures show the way to the magic place. If we go before or after summer, it is possible that we will have the opportunity of meeting the creator personally, as he is also unmistakable: we will see him moving around in broad sunlight, protected by a denim shirt and working gloves. Johannes Schultz, originally German, speaks many languages and is always ready to talk to the people who arrive and are interested in this special place, as he did with the reporters from FormenteraWeb last May, although Johannes was then rather worried about the recent partial destruction of the installation by some unknown vandals.

Johannes visited Formentera for the first time in 1972 and fell in love with the island. But it was not until 1992 when he discovered the north area and started his creation. He defines this as an expression of happiness for life, that contradicts the force of gravity and resists the force of nature, inviting visitors into the world of dreams. Enigmas and stories envelop the area, like a legend about the goddess Astarte or the legend of Mariana and Omar, which gives it even more charm.

More information can be found about La Riada on the web www.la-riada.de created by Heidemarie Kueck, a friend of Johannes Schultz.

Photo © FormenteraWeb / BalearWeb

Date of publication: 22/09/2003

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