Moncada, Valencia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Moncada
Municipality
Coat of arms
Moncada Location in Province of Valencia Show map of Province of Valencia Moncada Location in Valencian Community Show map of Valencian Community Moncada Location in Spain Show map of Spain
Country	Spain
Autonomous community	Valencian Community
Province	Valencia
Comarca	Horta Nord
Judicial district	Moncada
Area
• Total	15.6 km2 (6.0 sq mi)
Elevation	37 m (121 ft)
Population  (2021)
• Total	21,875
• Density	1,402/km2 (3,632/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Moncadense, Moncanero
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	46113
Official language(s)	Spanish and Valencian

Moncada, also known as Montcada, is a town in the Valencian Community, Spain. It is part of the Horta Nord area.

What's in a Name? Moncada's History

The name Moncada has a long history. In old Latin writings, it was called Monscatanus. This name came from mons (meaning 'mountain') and an old Celtic word catanus (which might mean 'juniper').

The original spelling was Montcada. Over time, people started saying it faster, dropping the 't', which led to the name Moncada. This change happened around the 15th century.

The name is also connected to the important Montcada family from the 13th century. Today, the town's official name is Moncada. However, in the Valencian language, both Montcada and Moncada are accepted.

Exploring Moncada's Geography

Moncada is located on a flat area. In the north and west, there are gentle hills that are part of the Sierra Calderona mountains. The highest point is Tos Pelat hill, which is 92 meters tall. This hill is on the border with other towns like Bétera and Valencia.

The hills even reach the center of Moncada, where the Santa Barbara hill is located. The Carraixet Ravine, a small valley, also runs through the town from northwest to southeast.

Moncada's Neighborhoods and Districts

Moncada has a main town area and several other places where people live:

• Montcada
  • Barri dels Dolors
• Sant Isidre de Benaixeve
  • Barri del Pilar
• Masies

Towns Near Moncada

Moncada shares its borders with several other towns, all located in the Province of Valencia:

• Albalat dels Sorells
• Alfara the Patriarch
• Bétera
• Foios
• Museros
• Nàquera
• València

A Look Back: Moncada's History

Commune House of the Royal Acequia de Moncada.

Old City Hall, now a library and museum.

People have lived in the Moncada area for a very long time, even before the Romans arrived. Archaeologists have found pieces of old pots and arrowheads from early times. There was also an Iberian settlement called Tos Pelat, where parts of old walls and pottery have been found.

During the Roman times, there were two large Roman farms in the area. These farms were very active in the 2nd and early 3rd centuries AD.

The Royal Ditch of Moncada

In 1239, King James I gave the people of Valencia the right to use water for irrigation. He specifically set aside a special canal called the "Royal Ditch of Moncada." This important canal helped water many farms on the left side of the Turia River, from Paterna to Puçol.

The Royal Ditch helped irrigate twenty towns and thirteen smaller areas, including:

• Quart de Poblet
• Paterna
• Burjassot
• Godella
• Rocafort
• Moncada
• Alfara of the Patriarch
• Vinalesa
• Bonrepos and Mirambell
• Almàssera
• Foios
• Meliana
• Albalat dels Sorells
• Museros
• Albuixech
• Massalfassar
• Massamagrell
• La Pobla de Farnals
• Rafelbunyol
• El Puig
• Puçol

Moncada's Medieval Times

The first written records about Moncada come from the time of the Reconquista, when Christian kingdoms took back land from the Moors. In 1246, Moncada was given to the Order of the Temple, a group of knight-monks. They later created the bailiff of Moncada, which was a very rich area. After the Templars were disbanded, the land passed to the Order of Montesa in the 14th century.

During the War of Succession in 1706, Moncada was briefly taken over by the Bourbon army. After the Spanish Civil War, the town suffered a lot of damage.

Discovering Moncada's Islamic Past

In 1996, during building work on Barreres street, archaeologists found seven human burials. These burials were from the 11th to 13th centuries and showed that there was an Islamic burial ground (necropolis) here.

Later, in 2006 and 2007, more discoveries were made. On San Roque Street, between 25 and 30 bodies of young people were found, also from around the 12th century. It is believed they were Muslim because of how they were buried.

In early 2006, signs of a Moorish settlement were found near the Palace of the Counts of Rótova, which is now the Moncada City Hall. These findings help us understand the town's early Islamic history.

Moncada's Population

In 2010, Moncada had a population of 21,847 people.

Moncada's Economy

Moncada's economy mainly relies on agriculture. This is because the area has good land and a favorable location.

However, in recent years, other businesses have grown, especially in the hospitality sector (like hotels and restaurants). This growth is largely due to the nearby Cardenal Herrera CEU University. Many students come to the university, which helps local businesses like restaurants and bookstores.

Getting Around Moncada

The easiest way to get to Moncada from Valencia is by using the CV-308 road.

Moncada also has three stations for the Metro Valencia train system:

• Moncada-Alfara
• Seminar-CEU
• Masias

There are also bus services that connect Moncada to Valencia and link different neighborhoods within the town.

Famous Buildings in Moncada

Gate of the Church of San Jaime.

• Church of San James: This church was built in 1696. It has been changed many times over the years to match different styles.
• Hermitage de Santa Barbara: Built in the early 18th century, this small chapel is dedicated to Moncada's patron saint, Saint Barbara. It was built on the site of an even older chapel.
• Old Market: This market was built in 1908. It has a unique roof made of zinc plates supported by iron columns. In the past, this market was a busy place where animals and food were sold, helping the local economy.
• City Hall: The town's government office, the City Hall, moved in 1997 to the restored Palace of the Counts of Rótova. This old palace, built in the late 18th century, was once a summer home for the Counts of Rótova and even a private hospital. The city bought it to save it from falling apart.
• Metropolitan Seminary of Valencia: This large building is now used by the Private University Cardenal Herrera (UCH-CEU). Many students come here, which helps the local economy by supporting bars, restaurants, and housing.
• Commune House: This unique building looks like an old Valencian farmhouse. It is the main office for the community that manages the Royal Canal of Moncada.

Moncada's Festivals

Moncada celebrates many fun festivals throughout the year:

• Festivities: These main celebrations begin on August 28th with the presentation of the festival's Queen and her Bridesmaids. They end on September 10th with a celebration for the patron saint, Apostle Saint James.
• Santa Barbara: On December 4th, Moncada celebrates its patron saint, Saint Barbara. There's a traditional fair called porrat where you can buy special treats like walnuts and nougat. People also go on a pilgrimage to the chapel with the image of Saint Barbara. It's traditional to visit the shrine and kiss a relic (a small piece of a finger bone) of Saint Barbara.
• Moncada Holy Week: During Holy Week, which is the week before Easter, Moncada has various religious plays that show the story of the Passion.
• Magi Parade: On January 5th, a parade takes place with the Three Kings. They ride on large floats, starting from Xátiva Street and ending at the old town hall. From there, they go to the Apostle St. James Church to give gifts to baby Jesus. Many local groups take part in this big parade.
• Fallas: These famous festivals are held in March. Different groups called "Falleers committees" create huge artistic monuments called fallas. There are many events, including:
  • The "Crida" (a call to celebrate)
  • The Ninot cavalcade (a parade of figures)
  • Parades
  • Award ceremonies
  • Wreath offerings
  • Mascletás (loud firework displays)
  • The "burnt" of the monuments (when the fallas are burned at the end of the festival).

The first falla monument in Moncada was planted 35 years ago. Today, there are ten falla commissions in the town:

• Falla La Tauleta (1973)
• Falla El Mercat (1982)
• Falla Del Poble (1982)
• Falla Badia (1984)
• Falla Tos Pelat (1987)
• Falla Amics de Masies (1994)
• Falla El Palmar (1996)
• Falla Les Eres (1997)
• Falla El Campet (1997)
• Falla Archprieste Vila - Sant Enric (2000)

Famous People from Moncada

• Vicente Iborra: A Spanish professional footballer.
• Miguel Tendillo: A Spanish retired professional footballer.

See also

In Spanish: Moncada para niños