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I have captured this photograph for La Vanguardia's Readers' Photos reflecting the autumn of the Empordà in the rice fields of Pals, the protagonist landscape of this image.
Different types of rice are grown in Pals. They are usually planted around the same dates, at the beginning of June, to be harvested in mid-August.
Rice cultivation has been linked to this area of the Baix Ter since the 15th century. However, during the 18th century its planting was limited due to the appearance of diseases and epidemics such as malaria.
The population believed that they were caused by the stagnant waters in which rice grows. That is why, in 1838, a Royal Order was issued to prohibit the cultivation of rice.
At the beginning of the 20th century, rice was regularly cultivated again thanks to new techniques based on the circulation and constant renewal of water to prevent putrefaction.
