Bigastro

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Bigastro is a district in the Valencian Community (Spain) situated in the south of The Province of Alicante, in the comarca of Vega Baja del Segura. It has population of 6,450 (2005 census)

[edit] History

At La Loma there is an archaeological site dating from the Bronze Age. The district derives from the Lugar Nuevo de los Canónigos, a place of residence for the canons of Orihuela cathedral, which once had power over the area. In 1701, after some lawsuits with the settlers, the church made some allowances, which permitted the foundation of Bigastro, starting with three estates, in which 24 families lived.

[edit] Economy

At the time of its foundation, agriculture was concentrated around flax and hemp; in the 19th century, the fall of the textile sector sparked interest in citrus fruits and products from irrigated fields. There is also industrial activity, mainly in the form of construction and manufacturing.

[edit] Demography

In 2005, Bigastro had 6,450 residents, 11.79% of which were foreigners. The most frequent nationality was British (22% of all foreigners).

[edit] Monuments

The young age of the town means that some landlord's homes survive, along with some farmer's dwellings dispersed throughout the area. One unique monument that must be mentioned is the Church of the Virgin of Bethlehem, where a sculpture of Saint Joachim of Salzillo.

[edit] Gastronomy

The typical dishes in the area are stew and rabbit with rice. Despite this the most important dishes in Bigastro come from the pastry shops; almojábanas, toñas, almendrados, monas and soplillos.

[edit] Festivals

• Night festivals and stalls are the essence of celebration dedicated to Saint Joachim in August. Others are El Rosario de la Aurora, every Sunday in October, the festivals of the Santa Cruz, of Romeria de San Isidro and of Santa Ana. The musical tradition goes back over a century and it presented in the form of the Union Musical Band of Bigastro.

• El Abuelo, as he is normally known (Saint Joachim) over other titles. In October 1993, the 200th anniversary of his first arrival in Bigastro was commemorated, with the unveiling of a sculpture of their patron saint.

[edit] Famous Residents

• Francisco Grau Vegara; author of the Spanish National Anthem.

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