Barbate

For the river of the same name, see Barbate (river).

Barbate

Municipality

Coat of arms

Barbate

Location in Spain

Coordinates: 36°11′N 5°55′W / 36.183°N 5.917°WCoordinates: 36°11′N 5°55′W / 36.183°N 5.917°W

Country

Spain

Cádiz

Government

• Alcalde

Rafael Quirós Cardenas (2007) (PSOE)

Area

• Total

143.36 km² (55.35 sq mi)

Elevation

14 m (46 ft)

Population (2008)

• Total

22,851

• Density

160/km² (410/sq mi)

Demonym

Barbateño, ña

Time zone

CET (UTC+1)

• Summer (DST)

CEST (UTC+2)

Postal code

11160

Website

barbate.es

Barbate is a coastal town located in the province of Cádiz, Spain. According to the 2006 census, the city has a population of 22,496.

Barbate is situated at the mouth of the River Barbate, some 7 miles (11 kilometres) along the coast to the east of Cape Trafalgar and within the La Breña y Marismas del Barbate Natural Park. The "Tómbolo de Trafalgar", a local point of interest comprises a sandy isthmus joining Cape Trafalgar to the mainland. from the 1930s the town was known as Barbate de Franco because General Francisco Franco spent leisure time there. It ceased to be called this in 1998 after a decree was passed by the Junta de Andalucia. Barbate has a long history of fishing stretching back to Roman times when fish salting was at its peak. The town does not have the charm of many older settlements but it is well designed and has an attractive central square, "Plaza de la Inmaculada", flanked by the Town Hall and the Church of St. Paul. Barbate is popular with Spanish tourists in the summer but attract few foreign visitors.^[1]

Fiestas

Barbate celebrates several fiestas during the year:

"Carnival" is celebrated in February or March, usually the week after it is celebrated in Cadiz. A temporary building is erected by the river and during the appointed week there are various dramatic, satirical and musical events. The Six Taps Square (la Plaza de los Seis Grifos) is a particular centre of activity.
Holy Week is celebrated during the week before Easter with religious processions through the streets starting on Palm Sunday through to Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Tuna Gastronomy week has been held since 2008 to celebrate the central role of tuna in the towns economy. It takes the form of a fair with temporary buildings, local trade stands and other attractions
St John's Night, traditionally on 23 June during the evening, artificial figures of local outstanding people, national celebrities or politicians are burned, it is customary to go down to the beach to cool down after the bonfires.
St. Carmen's Fair (Feria del Carmen) held on 16 July to celebrate the patron saint of fishermen and the town.
The Great Sardine Festival (La Gran Sardina) is held in the port area to enjoy the sardine season and its produce.^[1]