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The
unmistakable La Axarquía landscape, permanently watched over by the
Tejeda and Almijara mountain mass, frames the municipality of Arenas. Its
village centre, of clear Moorish origin, lies between the Cerro Alto peak
and that of Bentomiz, both of which are about 700 metres above sea level.
With the exception of these two high grounds, the terrain is composed of a
succession of gentle hills abounding with almond and olive trees and grapevines,
crops that occasionally yield to leafy pine groves that sprinkle the landscape
with an intense green. For more information about property
for sale in Spain in or near Arenas please contact us.
The crooks and turns that must be negotiated on the road before getting to Arenas afford beautiful wide angle views left and right of La Axarquía, and the backdrop of the sea that is visible not far in the distance is intermittently succeeded by views of the country farther inland, which are especially striking in the almond blossom season.
The Bentomiz fortress, built on a hill of the same name and close to the town, has played such a decisive role in the history of Arenas that no reference is possible to this locality without first alluding to the Bentomiz castle, whose origin has been dated to the Iberian era. It is believed that the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans all successively occupied and modified it. Although there is a certain amount of confusion about which parts of its ruins belong to which era, the Roman sign is clear after discovery of some baths that with complete certainty belong to that period.
In any event it was the Arabs, once again taking
advantage of existing construction, who made an excellent defensive position
of it, so much so that together with the castles of Comares
and Zalía, Bentomiz castle was considered one of the three most important
Muslim bastions in the central part of La Axarquía.
Once the castle had been taken by Christian troops, its inhabitants, under
a pact with Fernando the Catholic, were allowed to retain their religion and
customs, privileges that they lost after the Moorish rebellion even though
they did not participate in it. What they did do before losing those prerogatives
was to swear allegiance to Aben Humeya, king of Granada,
with the result that the Christians, not without serious confrontations, wound
up occupying the castle to reinforce the guarding and defence of that area.
Fiestas
The Carnival in February opens the festive calendar of Arenas. This celebration
enjoys extremely broad public support here.
The patron saint fiestas in honour of Santa Catalina and San Sebastián
take place between 10 and 12 August, and on those dates there is massive participation
by the villagers in the events that are organised. The Candelaria fiesta (7
and 8 September) is carried out in accordance with a number of traditions
that have changed little through the years, such as the lighting of bonfires
and the flamenco singing and the dancing to “verdiales” (a kind
of traditional music of Andalucia).
The celebration of the Feria de la Mula (Mule Fair) has recently been started.
It is organised by the Asociación en Defensa de la Mula (Association
for the Defence of the Mule), the Town Hall of Arenas and the Delegation of
Malaga. On this day (12 October) there are many
performances of all types, but the most attention-getting is the demonstration
of the carrying of loads by the mules, which draws people from all over the
province of Malaga to the village.
Food
In the field of gastronomy Arenas is outstanding above all for two
dishes: chivo frito con almendras (fried kid with almonds) and conejo mechado
(rabbit greased with bacon strips). To these kitchen classics might be added
migas (a dish made from fried bread crumbs), which in this area are customarily
accompanied by olives and herrings; potaje de ”cavaores” con garbanzos
y arroz (a type of stew with rice and chickpeas) and potaje de hinojos (fennel
stew). The sweet local wine is good for sampling at any hour, and olive oil
is indispensable in any culinary preparation.
How to get there:
Go to Velez Malaga by the Mediterranean
Expressway (A-7) and there take MA-117, a road that is in good condition but
must be travelled with a little extra caution since its very winding route
runs through mountainous terrain.
Tourist information:
Tourist Information: Town Hall, Plaza de la Ermita, 17 (29753). Telephone:
952 509 005; Fax: 952 509 005
Property for sale Arenas
Arenas Spain
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