Albalate de Zorita facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Albalate de Zorita
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 Albalate de Zorita
Location in Province of Guadalajara
Albalate de Zorita
Location in Castilla-La Mancha
Albalate de Zorita
Location in Spain
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| Country |  Spain |
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| Autonomous community | Castile-La Mancha | |
| Province | Guadalajara | |
| Municipality | Albalate de Zorita | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 53 km2 (20 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 759 m (2,490 ft) | |
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 918 | |
| • Density | 17.32/km2 (44.9/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | |
| Website | www.albalatedezorita.es | |
Albalate de Zorita is a small town, also called a municipality, in Spain. It is located in the province of Guadalajara. This area is part of the Castile-La Mancha region. In 2015, about 1022 people lived there.
Contents
Discovering Albalate de Zorita's Past
Albalate de Zorita has a long history. It was first known as a village around the 11th century. This was during the time when Muslims lived in Spain. Later, after Spain was reconquered, the town was mentioned in important records. These records were called the Diaries of Philip II in the 17th century.
Fun Traditions and Festivals
Albalate de Zorita celebrates several interesting traditions. These events bring the community together.
The Holy Cross Festival
The main festival in Albalate de Zorita honors the Holy Cross. Locals call it Cruz del Perro. This special cross dates back to the 13th century. Two farmers found it on September 27, 1514. Since then, it has been the town's patron.
During the festival, people enjoy many activities. There are exciting bullfights and bright fireworks. Two parades also take place. One parade is a pilgrimage to the discovery site. This happens the Sunday before September 27. Another parade occurs a day or two before the main day. Religious celebrations include a special mass. A procession with the image of the cross also takes place.
Saint Blaise Day
Another important festival is for Saint Blaise. It happens every year on February 3rd. Many people dress up in red and yellow clothes. They dance around the image of the saint. This procession lasts for about three to four hours. It is a very colorful and lively event.
Mayos de la Virgen Song
On May 1st, a special song is sung. It is called Mayos de la Virgen. Young people who turn 18 that year sing this song. It is a tradition that marks their coming of age.
Exploring Albalate de Zorita's Monuments
The town has some beautiful old buildings. These monuments show the town's rich history.
St. Andreas' Church
The main monument is the St. Andreas' Church. It is a Gothic style church. It was built in the 16th century. The church has a hall-type plan. Inside, you can see a beautiful Baroque altarpiece. Juan Alonso Pedroso made this altarpiece between 1701 and 1707.
The Thirteen Pipe Fountain
Another interesting monument is the Thirteen Pipe Fountain. This fountain was built in the 17th century. It is located near a side street of the village. It is a historic spot where people used to get water.
How Albalate de Zorita is Governed
The town of Albalate de Zorita has its own government. It is run by a mayor and a group of counselors.
Since 2015, the town has been governed by the Socialist Party of Spain (PSOE). This party has five out of nine counselors. The current mayor is Alberto Merchante Ballesteros. He became mayor on November 18, 2016. The previous mayor, Dolores Ortega, had resigned from her position. The PSOE has been in charge of Albalate since the elections in 2003.
See also
In Spanish: Albalate de Zorita para niños
