Ancient Alert System Gets a 21st-Century Update: Bell Ringers Sound the Alarm on Climate change
Villava, Navarra - In a tradition stretching back centuries, bell ringers are adapting an age-old communication method to address a modern crisis. A new “touch,” or ringing pattern, has been developed in Villava, Navarra, to warn communities of excessive heat, effectively turning church bells into an early-warning system for climate change.
For Rosalina Caballín, a pianist and bell ringer, the enduring power of bells isn’t surprising. She describes them as “the WhatsApp from before,” a historically vital means to communicate everything to a community.This sentiment underscores the enduring relevance of the practice, even as modernization threatens its future. The Climate Foundation proposed the new touch, which was then adopted by the Bell ringers Association and implemented by Caballín. The pattern is now actively used in villava, sounding when temperatures reach dangerous levels.
Joaquín Corcuera, spokesperson for the Bell Ringers of Navarra, emphasizes the need to preserve this tradition amidst challenges like bell tower access issues and the rise of automated, electric ringing systems. While acknowledging the convenience of electrification, Corcuera champions the unique character of manual ringing.”the electric touch has no soul,” he stated, contrasting it with the nuanced, emotionally-driven sound produced by human bell ringers, where “every day depends on the mood of the bell ringer.”
The Bell Ringers of Navarra are working to document best practices and encourage younger generations to learn the craft, recognizing that continued transmission of the skill is vital. Despite the challenges, Corcuera notes the association is “very strong right now,” and that tradition remains alive, though requiring increased effort to maintain. A recent session showcased both conventional touches and the new climate change warning signal, highlighting the evolving role of this ancient practice.