Property For Sale in Spain - Almachar - Apartments, Townhouses, Villas, Fincas,
Cortijos.
The complex landscape of La Axarquía bestows a diversity
on the territory of Almachar that will surprise the visitor, even one who has
familiarised himself with the peculiarities of the region where this municipality
is located. In Almachar’s case there are no great contrasts
in elevation since the highest point within its boundaries is scarcely more
than 600 meters, but there are geographic features -the two rivers on the edge
of the town- that confer a distinctive identity to the setting. For more information
about property for sale in Spain
in or near Almachar please contact us. The vineyards, the extensive
olive and almond groves and the many fruit orchards form a landscape that has
been domesticated for many centuries. Raisin driers are one of its most prominent
features, spaces where grapes are spread out under the sun to slowly turn into
raisins, which are this town’s most famous and characteristic product.
As in nearly every other part of La Axarquía, this town has also embraced
the cultivation of subtropical crops. No traces have been found
so far to support the idea that Almachar’s origin pre-dates the Arabic
era. Not only does its name indicate its Muslim roots -“Maysar”
or “Machar” usually is translated as “meadow or meadowland”-
but also the town’s street layout itself clearly goes back to Arabic customs
and usages. After the expulsion of the Moorish Christians in the
sixteenth century, people came from different places to occupy these lands.
Since both the parish and municipal archives were unfortunately destroyed in
the deplorable events of 1936 hardly any documentation exists today of the history
of Almáchar, but it is known that the first baptism was performed 7 February
1537. On the first weekend in May the fiestas in honour of the
Santo Cristo de la Banda Verde (Holy Christ of the Green Band) are celebrated.
This is an image to which the Almachareños appealed for protection during
the wave of earthquakes that shook the region in the mid-eighteenth century.
Since not a resident of the town perished as a result of the seismic disturbances
and the town’s houses were scarcely damaged, this Christ was, by popular
acclaim, declared the protector of the locality. As well as the
religious functions, which include a mass and the bearing of the image in a
procession through the central streets of the town, various musical performances,
dance programs, fireworks displays, sports competitions and traditional verbenas
(street parties) are held throughout the weekend. The fair in honour of Nuestra
Señora del Amparo (Our Lady of Protection), patron saint of Almáchar,
takes place in late July. It lasts three days and includes a great variety of
festive, sporting and cultural events. The San Isidro pilgrimage, in mid-May,
is another well-established and popular celebration in Almáchar. Even
considering the deep and indisputable traditional roots of these fiestas, Almáchar’s
most famous celebration is the Ajoblanco Fiesta (first Saturday in September),
which has been designated as of National Tourist Interest in Andalusia. Thousands
of outsiders flock to the town and are treated to a free sample of this genuine
Almachareño dish. In parallel with the gastronomic events of the day,
the town becomes a colourful showcase where items of great historic and artistic
value are displayed, and there are even traditional scenes acted out by means
of dolls or mannequins dressed in the style of a century ago. The performances
of “pandas de verdiales” (fandango-like musical groups), Rocío
choirs and flamenco in all its manifestations complete Almáchar’s
“big day”. Other very popular fiestas and events include the Concurso
de Pastorales (a pastoral music event during the second two weeks in December),
the Noche Vieja (New Year’s Eve) celebration on the Plaza de España,
the Cabalgata de Reyes (Three Kings’ Cavalcade on 5 January), the carnival
in February and the Semana Cultural (Culture Week in June, which includes an
extensive programme of activities). Ajoblanco has to hold first
place on the list of typical dishes of this town. Both its ingredients (bread
crumbs, almonds, olive oil, vinegar and salt) and its preparation (all the components
must be crushed until they achieve the consistency of fine cream) seem simple.
The tricky part, of course, is to get it “just right” the way the
Almachareños do. Ensaladilla de pimientos asados (roasted pepper salad),
gazpacho (a chilled vegetable soup), berza de coles (cabbage), puchero (stew)
and so-called yellow soups (sopas amarillas) are other dishes to add to the
cookbook from this town. Furthermore, we keep in mind that the subtropical crops
that have been cultivated for years in this region have helped increase the
gastronomic offer of a large part of La Axarquía. How to get there:
From Malaga, you can get to this village on two different
routes, either through Rincon de la Victoria
(35 kilometres) or Velez-Malaga (55 kilometres).
Exit from the A-7 Mediterranean Expressway at Rincon
de la Victoria and take the MA-107 towards Benagalbon and continue on MA-108
towards Moclinejo and then on to Almáchar
on MA-149. Total distance: 35 kilometres, 15 by expressway and 20 on local mountain
roads.You can also exit from the A-7 Mediterranean Expressway to
the A-335 at Velez-Malaga. About three kilometres
farther along take the MA-135 towards Benamocarra
and after about two kilometres turn again, this time onto the MA-178, which
leads to Almachar. This is the best route from the
eastern part of the region and eastern provinces. Total distance: 55 kilometres,
41 by expressway and 14 by local mountain roads. Town Hall, Calle Almería
(29718). Telephone: 952 512 002; Fax: 952 512 140.