Bérchules
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bérchules is a village and municipality in the central Alpujarra, in the province of Granada in Andalusia, Spain. The origins of the village are arabic. There are two villages in the municipality, Berchules (36º 58' north and 3º 11' east, altutude 1.350 metres), and Alcutar (36º 58' north and 3º 11' east, altitude 1250 metres). The villages are on the road, Orgiva-Trevélez-ugíjar, and their population is estimated at 900 and 300 respectively.
The river Rio Grande de Los Bérchules flows past the village on its course from the Sierra Nevada to the Mediterranean at Motril. En route it becomes renamed Rio "Gualdalfeo" and is the main river in the Alpujarra. Like the area in general the present population has declined since the mid 20th century when the population was probably nearer to 5,000 inhabitants. Many emigrated to Germany, Switzerland, France, Brazil, Argentina, and to the coastal area of Almeria, El Ejido etc.
The traditional agricultural was based on potatoes, apples and cattle and continues as the main industry of the village with tourism having an increasing economic importance. Since 2000 an influx of relatively afluent immigrants from northern europe have also had an effect on the local economy.
Most tourists visit for the hill walking as the village is situated on the GR7 long distance footpath. Local attractions include the "fuente agria" a foul tasting mineral water with medicinal properties. Notable fiestas include New Year's Eve, the Festival of San Marcos, with processions of domestic animals (25 April) and Festival of San Pantaleon, patron saint of the village (27 July), and the Festival of Santo Cristo (9 August).
