Xirivella

Xirivella
Municipality
Chirivella
Xirivella

Location in Spain

Coordinates: 39°27′56″N 0°25′36″W / 39.46556°N 0.42667°WCoordinates: 39°27′56″N 0°25′36″W / 39.46556°N 0.42667°W
Country  Spain
Autonomous community  Valencian Community
Province Valencia
Comarca Horta Oest
Judicial district Mislata
Government
 • Alcalde Enrique Ortí (2011) (PP)
Area
 • Total 5.2 km2 (2.0 sq mi)
Elevation 17 m (56 ft)
Population (2009)
 • Total 30,691
 • Density 5,900/km2 (15,000/sq mi)
Demonym Chirivellense, Xirivellenc
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 46950
Official language(s) Valencian
Website Official website

Xirivella (Valencian pronunciation: [tʃiɾiˈveʎa]) is a municipality in the Valencian Community, Spain. It borders the city of Valencia, Alaquàs, Picanya and Mislata. The municipality is divided by the V-30 motorway and the river Turia, with the La Luz district on the eastern part of the river. Since June 2012, a bridge across the motorway has connected both parts.[1] Local issues include noise pollution, caused by the nearby Valencia Airport[2]

It is connected to central Valencia by bus routes and a railway station. Metro links exist in the nearby town of Mislata.

Toponymy

Probably the name Xirivella it comes from the latin world Silvella (little forest).

History

Archeological remains are founded in Xirivella since the Roman times.

During the Midle Age was basically inhabited by farmers that cultivated the land. It was also at that time that started to develop the silk industry.

Currently Xirivella has a population of 30.405 inhabitants.

Sister Cities

Xirivella has town twinned with Casas de Benítez in Cuenca province (Spain) and the city of Habana Vieja in Cuba.

Cultural Heritage

Virgen de la Salud Church

Xirivella has an interesting Cultural heritage.

The old city keeps the urbanism from the Arab time. This is a list of the main historical buildings:

- Virgen de la Salud Church (Església de la Verge de la Salut): The only parish until 1953, It was built at the end of 17th century.

- Virgen de la Salud Chapel (Ermita de la Verge de la Salut)

- La Closa: 14th century building. It was restored at 2003.

- Dau House: 14th century building. It was the place where to pay tax.

- Tithe House (Casa del Delme): 14th century house, but it was demolished around 2000.

- Alquería del Castillo (Alqueria del Castell): It is also demolished. It was located at the place where the original Roman villa that origined the city.

Cultural Life

Xirivella has a very active Cultural life. There are several cultural associations that include the wind orchestra (banda) called CIM Xirivella, the choir (Escola Coral Andarella), the International Clowns Festival (Mostra Internacional de Pallassos), the music school, the Culture House where are hold concerts, shows, exhibitions, and a theater. Xirivella also organize the Xirivella Award, a recognition to honor its outstanding citizens.

Local politics

The municipality had been governed by the Spanish Socialist Workers Party since the 1970s, either alone or with the support of United Left. However at the 2011 local elections, the People's Party won a majority of seats for the first time.[3]

Summary of council election results

1979 1983 1987 1991 1995 1999 2003 2007 2011
Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) 8 13 10 11 9 11 10 10 7
United Left (IU) 7 3 2 2 3 2 3 2 2
Union of the Democratic Centre (UCD) 6
People's Party (PP) 5 2 3 8 8 8 9 11
Valencian Union (UV) 2 1
Xirivella Independent Platform (PIX) 3 4 1
Democratic and Social Centre (CDS) 2
Coalició Compromís (Compromís) 1
Total number of seats 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21

Source:[4]

References

  1. ↑ Medio siglo incomunicados, El País, 27 June 2012
  2. ↑ Más de 2.200 viviendas están afectadas por los ruidos del aeropuerto de Manises, El Mundo, 11 July 2012
  3. ↑ Los socialistas pierden Gandia y el PP, Mislata El País, 23 May 2011
  4. ↑ Torrent local results, pre.gva.es accessed 2 January 2011