Pego, Spain facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pego
Municipality
Coat of arms
Country	Spain
Province	Alicante
Area
• Total	52,85 km2 (2,041 sq mi)
Population  (2018)
• Total	10,052
• Density	1.90199/km2 (4.9261/sq mi)

Pego is a town located in the Alicante province of Spain. It is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and rich history.

Pego is situated inland from the northern Costa Blanca coast, surrounded by mountains. It is part of the Marina Alta area in Alicante. In 2006, Pego had a population of about 10,721 people. The town's story goes back to the time when Arabs lived there.

The area around Pego was first settled a very long time ago, during the Bronze Age. Later, ancient Iberian and Roman people also lived there. The town of Pego really started to grow around the year 726, when it was an important Arab settlement. It later became part of the Taifa of Dénia, which was a small independent Muslim kingdom.

In 1244, King James I of Aragon took control of Pego. After this, new people from Catalonia came to live in the town. In 1262, the area of Pego became a special land called a "barony." Over time, different noble families from Valencia ruled the town.

History of Pego

Early Development and Rice Farming

In the late 1200s, the wet areas between Pego and Oliva were used for growing rice, fishing, and raising animals. Rice became a very important way for people to earn money. However, in 1403, King Martin I banned growing rice in these wetlands. There were attempts to control how the wetlands were used.

In 1609, the last of the Moriscos (Moors who had converted to Christianity) were forced to leave Spain. This made Pego almost empty for a while.

Return of Rice Cultivation

In the late 1700s, some parts of the wetlands were developed more. People started digging drainage ditches to help manage the water. But rice farming did not return until 1805. A special order from the King allowed rice to be grown again.

Between 1820 and 1840, many areas were changed for rice farming. Still, a lot of the wetlands remained untouched. Rice farming continued to grow. By 1901, about 382 hectares (about 944 acres) were used for rice. This reached its highest point in 1945, with 900 hectares (about 2,224 acres) dedicated to rice.

Pego's Old Walls

During the time of the Moors, Pego was a walled town with a castle. After the Christian reconquest, these walls were made even stronger. They had 16 towers in total. Most of these walls were destroyed during the War of Spanish Succession (1701–1714).

Today, you can still see some parts of the old wall. They are in the Old Town, where the medieval streets still have their original charm.

Main Places to Visit in Pego

Pego has several interesting places to see:

• Arciprestal Church of Our Lady of the Assumption: This church was built in the 1500s in the Renaissance style. It stands on the ruins of an older church.
• Chapel of Ecce Homo: Built in the 1700s, this chapel is in the Baroque style. It was designed by a Valencian architect named Fray Francisco Cabezas.
• Church of the Sagrada Família: Another important church in the town.
• Hermitage of Sant Josep: This small chapel dates back to the 1800s.
• Hermitage of Sant Miquel: A chapel from the 1600s.
• Castell d'Ambra (Ambra Castle): This castle is thought to have been built in the early 1200s.
• Parc Natural de la Marjal de Pego-Oliva: This is a beautiful Natural Park of the Pego-Oliva Marshes. It's a great place to see nature.

Culture and Traditions

Pego celebrates many festivals and events throughout the year:

• Moors and Christians: This lively festival takes place in late June. It celebrates the history of the town.
• Porrat de Sant Antoni del Porquet: Celebrated in January.
• Carnival: A fun festival with costumes and parades.
• Pinyata: This event involves the "burial of the sardine," marking the end of Carnival.

Local Food

Pego is famous for its delicious local dishes. Some popular ones include:

• "Crosta": This is a rice dish baked in the oven with pork. It often includes botifarra (a type of sausage), chickpeas, and beaten eggs baked on top.
• "Arros caldos": A soupy rice dish with beans, turnips, chicken, and pork.
• Paella: Many types of paella are made here, including ones with land snails and rabbit.
• Tapas: Small dishes like "pichinettes" (tiny clams cooked with tomato, onion, and lemon) and "caragols" (land snails cooked in tomato sauce). You can also find tortilla shells with different fillings, like tiny shrimp from the local river.

Climate and Location

Pego is located on the CV-715 road, just inland from the towns of Denia and Oliva.

The weather in Pego is a pleasant Mediterranean climate. This means it has hot, dry summers and mild winters.

Population of Pego

The table below shows how the population of Pego has changed over the years.

See also

In Spanish: Pego para niños