Wicker is a natural material obtained from the young and flexible branches of various types of willows, used since Roman times to make baskets. It was harvested naturally in wetlands and riverbanks. The growing demand for quality basketry at the beginning of the 20th century prompted the creation of plantations throughout Europe.
In the province of Cuenca, especially in the fertile plains of the Serranía and Alcarria, wicker covered large areas, providing a livelihood for many families until, in the 1960s and 1970s, the fall in demand led to its replacement by more profitable crops.
Currently, Cuenca is the main producer of wicker in Spain, representing about 80% of the national production. However, the cultivated area barely reaches 600 hectares, mainly located near Beteta and Cañamares, next to the meadows of the Guadiela and Escabas rivers.
Although mechanization is limited and wicker has been displaced by more modern materials, the crop persists. Its use in the manufacture of shade screens and decorative pieces allows its cultivation to continue.
Wicker is also a tourist attraction when, at the end of November and close to harvest time, the plantations are dyed in reddish and purple tones, covering the field and contrasting with the cold winter colors of the mountains. This spectacle of color is a unique visual attraction that invites visitors and photographers to discover the beauty of the province of Cuenca, where the cultivation of wicker continues to be a symbol of local identity.
Beteta is one of the municipalities that make up the Wicker Route that begins in the town of Albalate de las Nogueras.
