Noble Junta de Cabezuelas

The Noble Junta de Cabezuelas is a governing institution in Segovia Province that manages the Cambrones River and its water channels across multiple municipalities. The council divides water distribution responsibilities into roughly 50 channels that serve towns including Palazuelos de Eresma, Trescasas, San Cristóbal de Segovia, and La Lastrilla.

The institution originated around 1200 and received formal recognition from the Catholic Monarchs in 1491, which granted the council specific rights over water management in the region. This recognition established the foundation for its continued role in water distribution and governance throughout the centuries.

Every last Saturday of May, residents gather for the Day of Cacera Mayor de Cambrones to clean the main water channel, maintaining a centuries-old tradition.

The best way to understand how this council operates is to visit during the annual water channel cleaning events that typically occur in late spring. These gatherings allow visitors to see the practical side of water management and how the surrounding communities work together.

Officials known as Water Shepherds play a key role in resolving water disputes between municipalities using the ancient channel system. These positions preserve an old method of fair water distribution and mediation between different stakeholders.