The organisation is showcasing the European project “From Past To Future”, conducting demonstrations of experimental archaeology on fire and the manufacture of prehistoric tools, and presenting the “Memoria de Atapuerca”
The Atapuerca Foundation is taking part for the second year running in the AR-PA Cultural Tourism Fair, held at the Valladolid Exhibition Centre, with a stand located on the ‘Heritage’ island organised by the Regional Government of Castile and León. During the four-day event (13–16 November 2025), representatives of the organisation explained to the public the aims and objectives of the European project, coordinated by the Foundation itself and co-funded by Erasmus+.
They have also explained to the public the work of the new Emiliano Aguirre Research Centre and, together with the Atapuerca Culture of Evolution System (Regional Government of Castile and León), have offered demonstrations of experimental archaeology, focusing on tool-making and the use of fire in prehistory.
The Atapuerca Foundation’s participation in AR-PA reinforces its commitment to promoting the scientific and cultural heritage of Castile and León. AR-PA Cultural Tourism, which grew out of the Heritage Biennial, is expanding its scope by incorporating other cultural resources and raising the profile of institutions, museums, archives and organisations dedicated to heritage management. Through this initiative, the Regional Government of Castile and León aims to establish an annual event that showcases the region’s rich heritage.
‘From Past to Future’ Project
The ‘From Past to Future’ project, which involves various European organisations from Italy, Portugal, France and Spain, has as its main objectives the creation of a European network to design local projects on inclusion, art and culture linked to archaeological sites; engaging young people through the Young Friends of the Site Group, who will take part in events, digital promotion and educational activities; and to improve participants’ employability, confidence and skills through practical experiences, non-formal education and contact with experts. Key activities include virtual tours, digital strategies on social media, heritage work placements, inclusive and green initiatives, intergenerational dialogues, scientific and cultural outreach campaigns, and promotional events.
This project reinforces the Atapuerca Foundation’s commitment to a more inclusive and connected society, in which young people play a leading role in the preservation and promotion of European cultural heritage.
Memoria de Atapuerca
The ‘Memoria de Atapuerca’ embodies the Foundation’s commitment to safeguarding, conserving and disseminating the history and identity of the scientific project in the Atapuerca mountains in Burgos. Over the course of almost 50 years, the Atapuerca Project has enabled the recovery of valuable information on human evolution, establishing the Atapuerca mountain range as an international benchmark. The fossils found there document the presence of all the hominid species that inhabited Europe over the last 1.2 million years.
Over 25 years supporting the Atapuerca Project
Since its creation, the Foundation has marked a turning point in the development of the Atapuerca Project, bringing together companies, public authorities, universities and research centres committed to the study of human evolution.
The Foundation has supported the project in three key areas: academia, science and society. Through its pre-doctoral and post-doctoral grant programmes, it has helped to advance the careers of nearly a hundred young researchers. Every summer, more than 300 people from 25 countries take part in the excavations, which are coordinated with universities and research centres around the world.
The Foundation’s role, together with the financial support provided by the Regional Government of Castile and León, is vital for organising the excavation campaign, in collaboration with the heads of the Atapuerca Research Team.
Similarly, the Foundation coordinates communications and institutional relations, which is essential for a project of this scale. Furthermore, the Foundation manages visits to the sites and to the Centre for Experimental Archaeology (CAREX), a task entrusted to the Atapuerca Foundation by the Siglo Foundation of the Regional Government of Castile and León. It also works to improve the surroundings of the sites.