Chella, Spain facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chella
Municipality
Coat of arms
Chella Location in Spain
Country	Spain
Autonomous community	Valencian Community
Province	Valencia
Comarca	Canal de Navarrés
Judicial district	Xàtiva
Area
• Total	43.5 km2 (16.8 sq mi)
Elevation	219 m (719 ft)
Population  (2018)
• Total	2,469
• Density	56.76/km2 (147.00/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Chellino, chellina
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	46821
Official language(s)	Spanish

Chella (Valencian: Xella) is a small town in the Valencian Community, Spain. It is part of the Canal de Navarrés area. Chella is known for its interesting history and beautiful natural spots.

Where is Chella Located?

Chella is in the province of Valencia. It is surrounded by several other towns. These include Anna, Bolbaite, Cotes, Enguera, Navarrés, Sellent, Estubeny, and Sumacàrcer. All these towns are also in the province of Valencia.

Chella's Long History

Chella has a very long history. People have lived here for thousands of years.

Ancient Times

Archaeologists have found many old items in Chella. These include pottery and tools made of flint. These finds show that people lived here from the Stone Age (Mesolithic and Neolithic periods) up to the early Metal Age.

During the Iberian period, people made beautiful pottery with painted designs. There are also signs of a Roman farmhouse. This shows that Romans lived in the area too.

Muslim and Christian Eras

Chella was once a farm during the Muslim era. King James I of Aragon later took control of the area. He gave Chella to different people over time.

In 1611, many people of Muslim background were asked to leave Spain. This made Chella almost empty for a while. New families then moved in and helped the town grow again.

Growth and Changes

In the 18th century, Chella continued to grow. Farmers started to grow more crops. This was possible because a new water source was found. This helped the town's economy get stronger.

In the 19th century, Chella became its own official town. The economy was based on farming crops like wheat, corn, and olives. They also made oil, wine, and silk.

A plant disease called phylloxera later destroyed many grapevines. This stopped wine production and caused many people to move away. Some went to Argentina or Algeria to find work.

A Local Hero

During the Spanish Civil War, a brave sergeant named Carlos Fabra Marin from Chella did something amazing. In 1936, he stopped a military uprising in Valencia. His actions helped protect the government at that time.

He later had to leave Spain and lived in France. He helped many Spanish families who also moved there. After his death, his remains were brought back to Chella. A street in Chella is named after him to honor his bravery.

Modern Chella

After Spain became a democracy, Chella's economy improved. Many people started working in construction and services instead of farming. The town also became known for making special cigars by hand.

Today, Chella continues to grow. New people from different countries have moved to the town. This has created a new mix of cultures and friendships.

How Many People Live in Chella?

Here's how Chella's population has changed over the years:

Who Leads Chella?

Here are the mayors who have led Chella since the first democratic elections:

What Chella Makes and Does

Chella's economy has always been based on farming.

Farming

In areas with good water, farmers grow garlic, wheat, corn, peanuts, and onions. They also grow tobacco and fruit trees. In drier areas, they harvest olives, almonds, grapes, and carob beans.

Local Crafts

Chella is famous for its handmade products. These include the special "Caliqueño" cigars. People also make beautiful bobbin lace. Working with stone is another important activity. They use stone for building facades, chimneys, and paths.

Places to See in Chella

Chella has many interesting buildings and historical sites.

• Parish Church of the Virgin of Grace: This church was rebuilt in the 18th century. Experts are studying its dome. They think it might have been designed by a famous architect named Gaudí.
• Hermitage of San Nicolás: A small, quiet church.
• Manor of the Counts of Buñol: An old, grand house.
• Ancient Arab Mosque: A part of the old Muslim mosque still stands. It is now a special place with a statue of the Virgin of Gracia, the town's patron saint.
• The "Castillets": These are old remains from the Arab times.

Fun Places to Visit

Chella has several parks and areas for recreation.

• Parque de la Fuente: This park is by the Sellent river. It has green areas, benches, and a playground. It's also used for festivals and concerts.
• Parque de la Ermita: Here you can find an outdoor gym and a petanque area. There's also a green space with benches, a fountain, and a playground.
• Plaza Parque Párroco Don Julio: A small park with benches and a playground.
• El Paseo: Located in the town center, this area has benches, two fountains, and a playground.

Sports in Chella

Chella offers several sports facilities for everyone to enjoy.

• Parque de la Fuente: This area is great for playing football and basketball. It also has changing rooms.
• Public Swimming Pool: The town has a swimming pool that is easy to use for people with disabilities. It also has changing rooms.
• Tennis Courts: Places to play tennis.
• Paddle Field: A court for playing paddle tennis.
• Artificial Turf Football Pitch: A football field with artificial grass and locker rooms.

Chella's Festivals

Chella celebrates many lively festivals throughout the year.

• Patron Saint Festivals: These honor San Blas and Christ of the Refuge on February 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. On the first day, there's a fun procession called San Fumat. Everyone dresses up and smokes a special cigar.
• Cultural Week Festivals: Held in the first week of August. These include paella cooking contests, music, theater, and sports.
• Moors and Christians Festivals: These happen the weekend after the cultural week. They feature parades and celebrations that remember the history of Moors and Christians in Spain.
• Feast of Santicos de la Piedra street: Neighbors of this street celebrate with a Mass, a parade, and a big dinner for everyone.
• Festival of San Roque: Similar to the Santicos de la Piedra street feast, with a Mass, parade, and a community dinner.
• Feast of the Virgin of Grace: Celebrated on September 8th, lasting a whole weekend. There are dinners, parades in traditional costumes, offerings, and popular dances. The festival ends with a fireworks display.
• Fallas Festival: A very popular festival from March 15th to 19th. It started in 1983.
• Festival of St. Nicholas: Celebrated on December 6th. There's a parade where people dress in fancy clothes. The next day, there's a chocolate treat for everyone, a Mass, and a procession.
• Cavalcade of the Three Kings: On the evening of January 5th, children meet the Three Kings in Carlos Fabra Park. They write letters and take pictures. Then, they follow a parade with music and fairies.

What to Eat in Chella

Chella has delicious traditional foods.

• Baked rice and "arroz caldós" (soupy rice).
• "Casolica de pencas" (a vegetable dish).
• Stew and gaspacho manchego (a hearty soup).

For desserts, try:

• "Torticas" made with peanuts and oil.
• "Bizcochás" (sponge cakes).
• "Rollicos de anís" (anise rolls).
• "Pastissets of moniato" (sweet potato pastries).
• "Pastissets of rosillas" (rose pastries).
• "Torta in llanda" (a type of cake).
• "Almendrones" and "rossegones" (almond cookies).
• "Hogassas" (special breads) made for All Saints' Day.

Famous People from Chella

• José Carlos Granero is a retired Spanish football player and manager.

See Also

In Spanish: Chella para niños