- Bigastro
Infobox City Spain
official_name=Bigastro
native_name=Bigastro
native_language=Spanish
spanish_name=Bigastro
community=Valencian Community
community_link=Valencia (autonomous community)
province=Alicante
province_link=Alicante (province)
comarca=Vega Baja del Segura
comarca_link=Vega Baja del Segura
time_zone=CET (GMT +1)
time_zone_summer=CEST (GMT +2)
area=4.10
population=6,450
date-population=2005
density=1,537
date-density=2006
lat_long=coord|38|3|47|N|0|53|44|W|region:ES_type:city
altitude=24
resident=bigastrenseBigastro is a district in the
Valencian Community (Spain ) situated in the south of TheProvince of Alicante , in thecomarca of Vega Baja del Segura. It haspopulation of 6,450 (2005census )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 ofOrihuela 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.Economy
At the time of its foundation,
agriculture was concentrated aroundflax andhemp ; 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.Demography
In 2005, Bigastro had 6,450 residents, 11.79% of which were foreigners. The most frequent nationality was British (22% of all foreigners).
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.Gastronomy
The typical dishes in the area are
stew andrabbit withrice . Despite this the most important dishes in Bigastro come from thepastry shops; almojábanas, toñas, almendrados, monas and soplillos.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.Famous Residents
*
Francisco Grau Vegara; author of the Spanish National Anthem.
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