Mugardos facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Real Vila de Mugardos
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Borough and Municipality
|
|||
 |
|||
|
|||
 Mugardos
Location in Spain
|
|||
| Country | Spain | ||
| Autonomous community | Galicia | ||
| Province | A Coruña | ||
| Comarca | Ferrol | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 12.77 km2 (4.93 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 2 m (7 ft) | ||
| Population
(2018)
|
|||
| • Total | 5,307 | ||
| • Density | 415.58/km2 (1,076.4/sq mi) | ||
| INE | |||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
Mugardos is a charming small town and municipality located in the region of Galicia, in northwestern Spain. It's known for its fishing heritage and beautiful coastal scenery. This town is part of the province of A Coruña and sits near the city of Ferrol. It shares borders with the towns of Ares and Fene.
Contents
Mugardos' Weather
Mugardos has mild weather all year round because it's close to the Atlantic Ocean. The temperatures don't change much between winter and summer. Summers are usually a bit drier than winters. Like the rest of Galicia, it gets a good amount of rain, which keeps the landscape very green.
About Mugardos: Past and Present
The municipality of Mugardos includes its main town and several smaller villages. It's part of the historic region called Ferrolterra. The town is located close to the larger city of Ferrol. Mugardos is divided into four smaller areas called parroquias (parishes): Santiago de Franza, San Vicente de Meá, San Xulián de Mugardos, and San Xoán de Piñeiro.
Changes Over Time in Mugardos
In the 1960s and 1970s, Mugardos was a much bigger place. It even had a movie theatre. Many people from nearby areas would visit Mugardos during the summer. However, the town has changed a lot since then. It is now smaller. The local fishing industry, especially for shellfish like cockles, faced challenges. But now, tourism is growing, with new places for visitors to stay.
A Palma Castle: A Historic Fortress
One of the most important historical sites in Mugardos is the A Palma Castle. This military fortress stands on the southern side of the Bay of Ferrol. It was first built in 1597 and was originally called "Nuestra Señora de la Palma." The castle was later updated in 1869.
When it was first built, the castle was mainly used as a "watch tower." Later, it became a key part of the defense system for the Ferrol estuary. Across the bay from A Palma Castle is the "Castelo de San Filipe" (Castle of Saint Philip). These two castles worked together to protect the entrance to the bay. They could even connect with a strong chain to block enemy ships from entering.
Over time, A Palma Castle was also used as a military prison. Today, the castle has been bought by a hotel company and is being restored.
Culture and Local Food
Mugardos is famous for its delicious local food, especially a dish called "Pulpo a la Mugardesa." This is a special octopus stew prepared using a traditional recipe.
Fun Festivals in Mugardos
- Fiesta de La Virgen del Carmen: This festival celebrates Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16. During the weekend of this date, there is a special ceremony. Men carry a statue of Our Lady from the main church down to the harbor. Then, they place the statue on a traditional boat and continue the procession by sailing.
- Fiesta del Pulpo: The Octopus Festival is held on the Saturday before the Carmen festival. On this day, the famous "Pulpo a la Mugardesa" stew is prepared for everyone to enjoy. Many tourists and local people join in the fun from morning until night. There are also musical groups and flea markets to explore.
- Dia de San Julian: Saint Julian's Day is celebrated on January 7. He is the patron saint of the town.
Mugardos' Economy
Mugardos is mostly a rural town. However, important industries like shipyards, foundries, and workshops are found nearby in Ferrol. The main local jobs in Mugardos are in Fishing, farming, agriculture, and services.
To help the local economy during tough times, more than 60 shops in Mugardos started accepting the old Spanish money, the peseta, in 2011. They accepted it alongside the euro, which became the official currency in 2002. This helped people use their old savings.
Notable Residents
- Amada García (1911 – 1938)
See also
In Spanish: Mugardos para niños
