Araia, Álava facts for kids
Araia is a charming village located in the province of Álava, within the Basque Country region of Spain. It serves as the main town for the Asparrena area. Around 1,200 people call Araia home. The village sits 604 meters (about 1,980 feet) above sea level. Long ago, an important medieval road passed through Araia. This road was used by many travelers, including pilgrims and traders.
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Exploring Araia's Nature and Outdoors
Araia is a fantastic starting point for anyone who loves the outdoors. Hikers and mountaineers often begin their trips here to climb the nearby Altzaina and Entzia mountains. If you enjoy rock climbing, you'll find climbing schools close by in Ilarduia and Egino.
A special place to visit is the Leze Provincial Park. Here, you can admire a deep ravine with amazing caves. The entire Peñas de Egino area is also part of this park. It's home to a well-known climbing school in Álava. The beautiful Zirauntza river flows through the village. Its natural beauty was one reason why the first Basque steelworks, Santa Ana Bolueta, was built here long ago.
Famous People from Araia
Araia has been home to several notable individuals who made a difference in various fields:
Musicians and Artists
- Germán María Landazabal y Galarza (1884-1952): A talented musician. He moved to Argentina and spent 30 years teaching music and composing.
- Javier Alkorta "Txortas" (1957): A well-known stage actor. He also directs the popular Araia Humorous Theatre Festival.
- José Luis Ruiz de Gordoa (1957): A musician, composer, and teacher. He is a member of the Joselu Anayak group. The Ruiz de Gordoa brothers formed this band in 1978. They have performed in many villages across the Basque Country and Navarra.
Language and Community Leaders
- Andoni Urrestarazu "Umandi" (1902-1993): A strong supporter of the Basque language. He faced challenges during the Franco era and had to live in France for a time. He wrote an important book called "Basque Grammar: Method of teaching and learning the Basque language."
- Jesús Moraza: He became a respected Bishop in Labrea, Brazil.
- Félix Ormazabal Ascacibar: He held important roles in the Basque Government. He was also the President of the Araba Buru Batzar and the Deputy General of Álava in 1995.
Important Events in Araia's History
One significant event in Araia's history happened on August 17, 1961. On that morning, a blast furnace at the local factory exploded. This tragic event deeply affected the community.
Fifty years later, on August 17, 2011, the people of Araia held a special tribute. They honored those who were lost at the Ajuria Urigoitia factory. As part of the tribute, they placed one of the old factory wagons on a large limestone block. This block came from a local quarry. The municipal band and the Araia choir performed at the ceremony, bringing the community together.
Links of Interest
- Official website of the Humor and Theatre Festival: http://www.jaraialdia.com/
- End of year musical Video
- Official website of Alipendi C.D: https://web.archive.org/web/20120101231752/http://www.alipendi.com/
- Araia Dairy
- Joselu Anayak- "Ay Anselma"
See also
In Spanish: Araya (Álava) para niños
