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The
extensive municipality of Canete la Real derives its character from its frontier
location between the region to which it belongs (Antequera)
and that of Ronda. Its terrain is therefore determined
not only by the course of the River Guadalteba but more importantly by the
outer edge of the Antequera plains, a slightly
rolling country where cereal grains and olives are raised almost exclusively,
and by the first elevations of the mountain ranges that introduce the Ronda
region. In either case the landscape is broad and open, but not exempt from
contrasts provided by the different colours of the crops and the wooded areas
with their evergreen oaks, pines and low brush. For more information about
property for sale in Spain in or near Canete la Real please contact us.
Although there are traces indicating the existence of prehistoric human settlement, the most reliable historical records about the origin of the village are from the Iberian era, when there was a settlement on a hill close to the urban centre of Canete that the Phoenicians called Sabora due to the extensive fields of grain in the area (“Sabora” derives from “ebura”, meaning cereal grain).
The period of Roman domination is much better documented due to the innumerable archaeological sites in this municipality. Among other historical facts it is known that the town changed its location in the year 78 A. D. Its previous location on the Cerro de la Horca (Hill of the Gallows) was too far from the fields and was also very exposed to the winds. The Emperor Vespasian authorised the town’s move, and in appreciation its inhabitants minted coins in his honour (a good number of them have been found) and erected statues of him.
The Visigoths’ activities were confined to promoting the area’s agricultural development. King Witiza granted the municipality the title of “Royal”, which designation would later appear after the conquest of the village by Alfonso XI, who conferred the same dignity that Witiza had done years before.
The village’s name comes from the Arabic
name Hins Qanit, which some historians understand to mean “castle of
Qanit” while others believe it refers to the “caños”
(springs) that still flow in some parts of the urban district. Throughout
the fourteenth century the locality changed hands several times between the
Muslims and the Christians. As a result of so many battles the fortress was
practically destroyed, although it has been subjected to a careful restoration.
Fiestas
The most popular and most attended fiestas in Canete la Real are those in
honour of the patron saint, the Virgen del Cañosanto, which take place
on the third Sunday in September. For three days, the villagers and visitors
sample typical local products free of charge and participate in sports competitions
that are above all entertainment. The floral offerings to the Virgin, the
singing of the Salve Regina and the procession afterwards close out these
active festive days.
The celebration of a cultural week between May and June is of a somewhat more
restrictive nature but certainly interesting, as is a week devoted to young
people in July. The Cabalgata de Reyes (Three Kings Cavalcade) and the carnival
are two other events that are strongly supported by the villagers.
Food
Some of this municipality’s most traditional dishes include
carne guisada con cebolla (stewed meat with onion), relleno de verdura (vegetable
stuffing) and potaje de tagarninas (yellow thistle stew), which are consumed
throughout the year, as are the chacinas (cold cuts) that are made during
the pig slaughter. The heartier stews such as the classic olla and the no
less classic “pringá” and potajes (stews) are reserved
for winter. Preparations of espárragos (asparagus) and setas (mushrooms)
rule the Cañete cuisine in the autumn, while porra-without a doubt
the most popular dish-and gazpacho (both cold soups) is indispensable in summer.
Piononos and magdalenas (two kinds of muffins) are the most typical local
pastries.
How to get there:
The best route from the city of Malaga
is to take the A-357 towards Campillos and to
continue on the A-384 to Almargen, then take the
A-476, which goes straight to Canete la Real. If you leave from Ronda
take the 376 and then connect with the A-357 to Campillos. If you leave from
Antequera take the A-92 and change to the A-384
and likewise go to Campillos.
Tourist information:
Town Hall, Telephone: 952 183 001. Escuela Taller (School Workshop),
Calle Rafael Alberti, 13. Telephone: 952 184 304; Fax: 952 184 304.
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