Pipaón facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pipaón
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| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor-Council |
| Elevation | 843 m (2,766 ft) |
| Population
(2013)
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| • Total | 36 |
| Time zone | CET |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST |
| Dialing code | +34 94 |
| Official language(s) | Spanish, Basque |
Pipaón is a tiny village located in Alava, which is part of the Basque Country in Spain. It sits right below the Sierra de Cantabria mountains. Only about 36 people live there, making it a very small community.
Despite its size, Pipaón is full of interesting things! It has a special museum that shows how people used to live long ago. The village also keeps old dances alive, which have been performed for many years. A group called Usatxi Cultural Association organizes fun events all year. These include a "living Bethlehem" where villagers act out scenes from the past. Sometimes, the whole village becomes a "street museum," showing daily life from 100 years ago. Pipaón also has a small sports area with a football field and a bowling alley. You can find the village's only bar in the main square.
Contents
The History of Pipaón Village
How Pipaón Gained Its Freedom
Historians believe Pipaón was first mentioned in old documents from 1191 and 1254. Later, in the 14th century, it became part of the area controlled by Peñacerrada. In 1975, it joined the town hall of Lagrán.
After 425 years, the people of Pipaón bought their freedom! On November 2, 1802, the village officially became a "town." To remember this important event, a special stick with a cross and a ring was placed at the entrance of the village. This stick was a symbol of their new freedom from the Count's lands.
Remembering Freedom with a Monolith
The "Usatxi" Cultural Association wanted to remember the village's freedom. In 1986, they put up a new stone monument, called a monolith. This monolith was made from a cut ash tree trunk. School children had planted this tree near the cemetery in 1925.
After 14 years, the first monolith fell down because of bad weather. So, on November 16, 2002, a new stone monolith was put in its place. This happened exactly 200 years after Pipaón gained its freedom. The new monolith has a cross, a ring, and a special plaque to remember the day the village became free.
Pipaón's Role in History and Today
Throughout its history, Pipaón was a path for soldiers. Troops from Navarre and Castile would travel through the village on their way from Zaragoza to Bilbao. The villagers used to earn money by grazing animals and selling coal. They transported coal through the port of Pipaón towards Herrera, and then to Laguardia and nearby villages.
Today, the older part of Pipaón is very charming. You can see old houses with special designs and round arch doorways from the 16th century. The "Usatxi" ethnographic museum is also there, showing the village's past. There is also a Parish church dedicated to the Feast of the Cross. The old school building now houses the "Usatxi" cultural association, where many activities take place. The village has also grown with some newer buildings.
See also
- In Spanish: Pipaón para niños
