Ilha (Santana)

Ilha
Civil Parish
Flag
Coat of arms
Official name: Freguesia de Ilha
Name origin: Portuguese for island
Country  Portugal
Region  Madeira
Island Madeira
Municipality Santana
Localities Achadinha, Corrida, Ermida, Garnal, Lombada do Meio, Lombo Grande
Center Caldeirão Verde
 - elevation 734 m (2,408 ft)
 - coordinates 32°47′21″N 16°55′4″W / 32.78917°N 16.91778°WCoordinates: 32°47′21″N 16°55′4″W / 32.78917°N 16.91778°W
Lowest point
 - elevation 42 m (138 ft)
Area 14.19 km2 (5 sq mi)
Population 255 (2011)
Density 18 / km2 (47 / sq mi)
LAU Junta Freguesia
 - location Granel Ilha
Timezone WET (UTC0)
 - summer (DST) WEST (UTC+1)
Postal Zone 9230-234
Area Code & Prefix (+351) 291 XX XX XX
Patron Saint Nossa Senhora do Rosário
Wikimedia Commons: Ilha
Website: http://casapovoilha.blogspot.com

Ilha (Portuguese for "island") is a civil parish in the municipality of Santana in the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira. The population in 2011 was 255,[1] in an area of 14.19 km².[2]

History

The history of this parish extends from the end of the 20th century, when it was created in 1989 by de-annexation from the civil parish of São Jorge.[3] Its name was an extension of geomorphological characteristics, since it was an "island" between many of its other neighbours (ilha is the Portuguese word for island), one of the few landlocked parishes on the island of Madeira.[3]

Geography

Ilha is located along the northern coast, buttressed by the neighbouring civil parishes of Arco de São Jorge (in the west) and São Jorge (to the east).

The site of Achada do Marques is classified as a protected landscape (Portuguese: Paisagem Protegido) and part of the Parque Natural da Madeira.[4] The classification was made to not only preserve the natural environment and landscape, but also to maintain the habits and traditions of the zone.[4] Caldeirão Verde, another popular tourist destination in the parish, is part of the pedestrian trails that cross the island.[4] In particular, from Caldeirão Verde, it is possible to follow a trail through the UNESCO protected Laurisilva forests to the locally-known Cascata de Caldeirão Verde (waterfall of Caldeirão Verde). In addition, Pico Ruivo, the highest point on the island at 1,862 metres (6,109 ft) falls within the parishes frontiers, and although a highly difficult climb (third highest nationally[5]), its summit can be reached from within the trail network.[4] Other pedestrian trails of note: Levada da Ilha-Vale da Lapa-Caldeirão Verde and Pico Ruivo-Encumeada.

Economy

Its primary economic resource is the agricultural industry, served by dairy and cattle-raising. In addition it supports a small economic collectivity that includes small shops, cafes and bars, in addition to health care centre.[3] A locally produced beverage/liquor, "Ponchilha", based on lemons is produced in this region and originally commercialized by the Empresa de Inserção Social da Casa do Povo da Ilha (the local community/social centre).[3]

Culture

In the month of August, the Casa do Povo da Ilha organizes a Dia do Emigrante (Emigrant Day) for those former residents who left Ilha in search of better economic conditions.[6] On the last weekend of September and first of October, the festivals in honour of the Santissimo Sacramento (Holy Sacrament) and patron saint (Our Lady of the Rosary) are also celebrated.[6] Finally, at the end of November and beginning of December, the Semana Cultural da Ilha (Cultural Week of Ilha) result in various cultural activities based on a specific theme.[6]

References

  1. ↑ Instituto Nacional de Estatística
  2. ↑ Eurostat
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Câmara Municipal/Terra Cidade (2011), p.52
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Câmara Municipal/Terra Cidade (2011), p.53
  5. ↑ The summit is only third to the mountains of the Serra da Estrela and Pico (the tallest point in Portugal and the Azores).
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Câmara Municipal/Terra Cidade (2011), p.55