La Herradura facts for kids
La Herradura is a lovely seaside town on Spain's sunny Costa Tropical. It's part of the larger area called Almuñécar, located in the province of Granada, in a region called Andalucía. You can find it on Granada's southwest coast, about 70 kilometers east of the city of Málaga. La Herradura is famous for its beautiful beaches and clear waters.
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A Look Back in Time
People have lived in La Herradura for a very long time, even since prehistoric times! Scientists found ancient tombs with bronze weapons from thousands of years ago. Later, during Roman times, people also lived here. You can still see signs of their homes and old roads. There are even remains of a small old church from the 6th century AD, built by people from the Byzantine Empire.
Early Settlements and Trade
After the arrival of new cultures, we know more about a farm called "Sät" or "Xat." A famous leader named Abd al-Rahman I even visited La Herradura in 755 AD. This area was important for trade, especially for its delicious raisins, which were considered the best in the Islamic world at that time!
Protecting the Coast
To keep the coast safe from pirates, people built watchtowers. The watchtower at Punta de la Mona, which is now a lighthouse, was built a long time ago. Another tower, 10.5 meters tall, stands on Cerro Gordo. These towers used smoke signals during the day and fire at night to warn everyone about approaching ships.
In 1764, King Charles III of Spain ordered new forts to be built along the coast. La Herradura castle was finished in 1768. This castle helped protect the town. Later, during a war, French soldiers took over the castle, but local fighters quickly won it back. The castle has been used by different groups, like the Carabineros and the Civil Guard, who are like police. Today, it's a cultural center where people enjoy concerts and events. Even though it was built right by the sea, the coastline has changed, so the castle is now further back from the water.
La Herradura Bay was the site of a sad event in history. On October 19, 1562, a huge storm sank 25 Spanish warships. Up to 5,000 people lost their lives in this disaster. Today, a special monument on the seafront remembers this tragedy. It was put up in 1990 and was created by a sculptor named Miguel Moreno.
In the 1800s, some families of Italian fishermen moved to La Herradura. Their descendants, like the Barbero and Garciolo families, still live there today.
Modern Times
In the 20th century, La Herradura changed a lot because more and more tourists started visiting Spain. It grew from a small fishing village into a popular holiday spot.
Exploring La Herradura's Geography
La Herradura is located right on the Mediterranean Sea. It gets its name from its special horseshoe-shaped bay ("La herradura" means "the horseshoe" in Spanish). The beach is about two kilometers long and has both sand and small pebbles. What makes it unique are the many palm trees growing right on the beach! Behind the beach, you'll find the main street, Paseo Andrés Segovia, which is full of cafes, restaurants, shops, and apartments.
The older part of La Herradura has charming whitewashed Andalucian houses built on the hillsides. As the town grew, newer buildings spread out along the bay and into the surrounding hills.
La Herradura is the westernmost coastal town in the province of Granada. It's close to the town of Maro and the famous Sierra de la Almijara mountains, which are great for hiking.
A Special Nature Reserve
La Herradura is proud to have a natural reserve right on its coast. The Maro–Cerro Gordo Cliffs Natural Park is a beautiful area between Cerro Gordo (the headland at the west end of the bay) and the town of Maro. Both the land and the sea here are protected. The seabed has amazing corals and rare animals.
In this park, you can see many Mediterranean trees like pines, carob, and olive trees. The most famous animals are the wild mountain goats, called Iberian Ibex. There are also many hiking trails along the coast. This reserve is a big draw for people who love diving, nature photography, and birdwatchers.
Where is La Herradura?
La Herradura is surrounded by:
- To the north: The town of Otívar.
- To the east: The ravine of Cotobro and the town of Almuñecar.
- To the south: The Mediterranean Sea.
- To the west: The ravine of Cantarriján and the town of Nerja.
Population
In 2012, about 4,248 people lived in La Herradura, according to the Spanish National Statistical Institute.
Fun Celebrations and Culture
La Herradura has many exciting traditions and celebrations throughout the year!
Saint Joseph's Day
The town's patron saint, Saint Joseph (San José), is honored every year around March 19th. There's a special fair and other fun events to celebrate.
Day of the Cross
From May 1st to 3rd, people celebrate the Day of the Cross, also known as Cruz de Mayo. It's a colorful festival where crosses are decorated with flowers.
Night of San Juan
On the night of June 23rd to 24th, people light bonfires on the beach for the Night of San Juan. At midnight, many people wash their eyes in the sea, hoping for good luck all year! This night traditionally marks the first swim in the sea for the summer.
Holy Week
During Holy Week, there's a special brotherhood that organizes processions with religious statues through the streets.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
On July 16th, La Herradura celebrates La Virgen del Carmen, who is the patron saint of fishermen and sailors. A beautiful statue of the Virgin Mary, covered in flowers, is carried through the streets and then taken out to sea in a parade of fishing boats. At night, there's a wonderful firework display. Traditionally, people believe the sea isn't truly safe for swimming until after it has been blessed on this day.
Dawn Rosary
From December 21st to 24th, a tradition called Dawn Rosary takes place very early in the morning. It dates back to the late 1800s. A banner with an image of the Virgin Mary is carried through the streets, with musicians playing string instruments and bells, and singers praising the Virgin. The parade ends with a special mass and traditional Andalucian Christmas carols.
Famous People from La Herradura
Jesús Espigares Mira, who was born in La Herradura in 1946, became the president of Interpol between 2000 and 2004. He was the first person from Spain and the first native Spanish speaker to lead this important international police organization.
See also
In Spanish: La Herradura para niños
