Orihuela

In Orihuela there are vestiges of human settlements from the Chalcolithic (second half of the third millennium BC), through the Argaric culture, Late Bronze and Ancient Iron to the Iberian and Roman culture. During the Visigothic period it was the capital of a demarcation that included the current provinces of Alicante and Murcia. In the VIII century he was head of the duchy of Teodomiro, who agreed to his autonomy with the Arabs; According to the legend, the Visigoth king placed women dressed in warrior uniforms on the city walls, in such a way that he forced the negotiation against the invader. In the ninth century he lost his independence against the Caliphate of the Umayyads. Later, it was integrated into different Taifa kingdoms, until in the 13th century (July 17, 1242) the troops of the then Infante Alfonso de Castilla (later Alfonso X El Sabio) reconquered the city. In 1296 Orihuela pays tribute to Jaime II de Aragón and joins the Kingdom of Valencia, as head of government and with the right to vote in the Cortes. In the year 1564 the bishopric of Orihuela was created, a long yearning for the Oriolans. During the War of Succession, the governor of the city, Marqués de Rafal, supported the pretender Carlos of Austria; and with the victory of Felipe V, the city is sacked and loses its fueros. Orihuela has given illustrious men in the field of letters, sciences and religion: the poet Miguel Hernández, the painter Joaquín Agrasot, the cardinal Desprades (first apostolic nuncio), the archbishop Loaces, etc. And it has been a source of inspiration for Gabriel Miró in his magnificent novels Our Father San Daniel and El leproso bishop. Parties: Easter: Declared of International Tourist Interest. Party of strong religious spirit traditionally rooted in this city. During all the springs the Oriolan brotherhoods go out processionally, telling sculpturally the passion and death of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Carvings of inimitable image makers such as Salzillo, Valera, Sánchez Lozano, Nicolás de Bussi and others make the city of Orihuela a museum of extraordinary artistic value that takes the Oriolan streets this week. Festivities of the Reconquista and Moors and Christians: Declared of Autonomic Tourist Interest. The Anniversary of the Reconquest of the City is celebrated around July 17 in Orihuela. Celebration that takes place with the public exhibition of the Senyera of all Oriolans, called El Oriol. This unique flag will walk through the streets of Oriola during Bird Day. For 26 years, the different comparsas that make up the Association of Moors and Christians "Santas Justa y Rufina" ("Holy Justa and Rufina") have been incorporated into the festival of the Reconquest, performing parades, parades, street parties and bloodless battles. Festivities of the Virgin of Monserrate: It is celebrated on September 8. This religious event is held to commemorate the appearance of the image of the Virgin in the Sierra de Orihuela under a bell that protected it, a place where the Virgin currently has her Sanctuary. This is a party where religious fervor is significant, so the programming of events is based on the Pilgrimage and Procession of the Patron. In addition, cultural shows are scheduled on the street: serenade to the Virgin, rocketry and large fireworks castle. Festivities of San Antón: It is celebrated on the Sunday before January 17.