Salt Harvesting: An Emblematic Tradition
Salt harvesting at Lac Retba has been a lasting tradition for over 50 years, sustained by the unique conditions provided by this exceptional natural environment. Lac Retba, often referred to as the “Pink Lake,” is famous for its ever-changing color palette, shifting from pink to mauve depending on sunlight and weather conditions. This transformation is attributed to microorganisms, including small algae, which proliferate in the extremely salty waters of the lake. These organisms produce pigments to shield themselves from the sun’s rays and the high salt levels, creating this unique visual spectacle.
The source of the lake’s water primarily comes from the Atlantic Ocean, located on the other side of a strip of dunes. Sea water infiltrates under these dunes, and due to the heat, a portion of the water evaporates, leaving behind an exceptionally high salt concentration.
Salt harvesting usually commences on boats sailing on the lake. Local laborers, often known as “salt scrapers,” have been carrying on this tradition for generations. They venture into the lake’s shallow waters, which are about 1.50 meters deep, using stakes to break the salt crust at the lake’s bottom. Subsequently, they gather the salt using shovels and wicker baskets, stacking it in their boats.
The harvested salt is then transported near the shore, where women take over to unload the boats. The salt is spread out to dry and bleach in the sunlight before undergoing further processing.
