Jérez del Marquesado facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jérez del Marquesado
Municipality
Flag Coat of arms
Jérez del Marquesado Location in Spain
Country	Spain
Autonomous community	Andalusia
Province	Granada
Comarca	Comarca de Guadix
Judicial district	Guadix
Area
• Total	82.29 km2 (31.77 sq mi)
Elevation	1,230 m (4,040 ft)
Population  (2018)
• Total	977
• Density	11.873/km2 (30.750/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Jerezanos
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	18518

Jérez del Marquesado is a small town in southern Spain. It is a municipality located in the province of Granada. This town shares its borders with several other towns. These include Cogollos de Guadix, Albuñán, Valle del Zalabí, Alquife, Lanteira, Bérchules, Trevélez, Güéjar Sierra, and Lugros.

A Look at Jérez's Past

Jérez was once known as Xeriz in Arabic. It was a very important town in the Sened region. Its location near valuable mineral deposits and a floodplain made it special.

Ancient Beginnings

The history of Jérez del Marquesado goes back a long time. People lived here even in the Prehistoric Era. Scientists have found remains from the Neolithic period. There are also signs of mining from the Bronze Age. This mining continued even during Roman times.

During the Roman period, the town was called Sericus or Sericis. Later, when Arabs arrived, they called it Mecina or Alcázar (meaning 'the castle'). They also called it Xerix (meaning 'silk'). This was because two towns lived side-by-side. Mecina was the older, original town. Xerix was the newer Muslim town.

The Muslim town, Xerix, became the main one. By the 12th century, Mecina joined with Xerix. The area had lots of water. Because of this, the Nasrid kings of Granada created a large farm here.

A Brave Rescue

In 1960, a US Navy DC-4 aircraft crashed. It landed in the mountains near Jérez del Marquesado. The town was not rich and did not have much rescue equipment. But the people of Jérez risked their own lives. They worked hard to rescue 24 people from the crash.

What Jérez Does for a Living

The main way people in Jérez del Marquesado earn money is through farming. They grow crops like cereals, almonds, and olive trees. They also raise animals such as cows, sheep, and pigs.

In the past, many people worked in mines. These mines provided jobs for most of the town. One important mine was the Santa Constanza Mine. It was located in the town's area and produced copper. Another big mine was the Alquife Mine. This mine produced iron until it closed in 1997.

Exploring Jérez's History and Buildings

The town center of Jérez del Marquesado has many old buildings. You can find Moorish-style houses and old mills. There are also parts of two medieval forts. One of these is a Mudéjar church.

You can still see parts of a fortress from the Nasrid period. There are also remains of several medieval forts. All of these old forts were built in a rectangular shape. Near the Mudéjar church, you can find parts of old Arab baths.

Later additions include the "Cruz blanca de las eras" (White Cross of the threshing floors). This cross is next to a pond. The pond was used to water the fertile gardens. The cross remembers the visit of the Catholic Monarchs in 1489.

The Mudéjar church from the 16th century is also very special. It has a beautiful wooden ceiling called a coffered ceiling. The church's entrance mixes Christian styles with Moorish designs. This can be seen in the way bricks are used.

Fun in Jérez: Nature and Sights

Jérez del Marquesado is not just about its town center. Its location at the foot of Sierra Nevada is a big draw. The Sierra Nevada National Park offers many activities for visitors.

You can climb to Picón de Jérez. This is the highest peak in the region, over 3,000 meters tall. Walking through the beautiful chestnut forests is another popular activity for tourists.

Tasty Treats from Jérez

Jérez del Marquesado has a long history. This has led to many unique and delicious local foods.

• Migas: This dish is often served with fresh fruit.
• Cod rin-ran: A special dish made with cod fish.
• Corn flour gruel: A simple, hearty meal.
• Empedrao: Another traditional dish.

For desserts, you might try fried milk or pestiños. And for drinks, there's mistela. This is a sweet liqueur made from grape juice, aguardiente (a strong spirit), and local spices.

Jérez's Lively Festivals

Jérez del Marquesado celebrates many holidays throughout the year.

• Chiscos de San Antón
  • This festival is on January 17, Saint Anthony's Day.
  • People celebrate by making large bonfires called chiscos.

• Candlemas
  • Celebrated on February 2.
  • In the morning, there is a procession.
  • Afterward, people go to the chicharro field. They bring products from the slaughter to share.

• San Marcos’ Day
  • This holiday is on April 25, Saint Mark's Day.
  • A procession for San Marcos takes place.
  • Then, the "sanmarqueros" (people in charge that year) give out bread rolls to everyone in town.

• Pilgrimage of the Virgen de la Cabeza
  • On the last Sunday of April, a pilgrimage is held.
  • People carry the Virgin Mary statue on horseback to the Zalabí Valley.

• Corpus Christi Day
  • The date for this holiday changes each year (late May or early June).
  • It celebrates the Corpus Christi.
  • People set up special altars for the Lord.

• Saint Juan and Saint Pedro’s Holiday
  • This party happens on June 24 and 29.
  • There are fun night parties.

• Celebrations of the Virgin of the Tizná
  • These are the town's main patron saint festivities.
  • They are celebrated from September 8 to 12.
  • On September 11 and 12, famous enclosures (gatherings) take place. Many people from Jérez and nearby areas come to enjoy them.

• Cattle Market
  • This market is held from October 24 to 27.
  • It takes place just outside the town.
  • Farmers meet to buy and sell livestock.
  • You can also see cattle on display and taste traditional local foods.

Images for kids

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  Plaza del Molino

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  Location

See also

In Spanish: Jérez del Marquesado para niños