Retamal de Llerena facts for kids
Retamal de Llerena is a small town, or municipality, located in the province of Badajoz in the region of Extremadura, Spain. It is a quiet place with a population of about 443 people, based on a 2018 count.
Quick facts for kids
Retamal de Llerena, Spain
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| Country | Spain |
| Autonomous community | Extremadura |
| Province | Badajoz |
| Municipality | Retamal de Llerena |
| Area | |
| • Total | 96 km2 (37 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 467 m (1,532 ft) |
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 443 |
| • Density | 4.615/km2 (11.95/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
Contents
Where is Retamal de Llerena?
Retamal de Llerena is in the southern part of Extremadura. It is about 138 kilometers (86 miles) from Badajoz, the capital city of its province. It is also 66 kilometers (41 miles) from Mérida, the capital of the Extremadura region.
The town covers an area of about 96 square kilometers (37 square miles). It sits at an elevation of 467 meters (1,532 feet) above sea level. The area is close to the Argallanes Mountain Range.
Nearby Towns and Rivers
Even though it's officially part of the Campiña del Sur area, people in Retamal often feel more connected to towns in the nearby La Serena region. A very important town nearby is Zalamea de la Serena.
Other towns close to Retamal de Llerena include Campillo de Llerena, Higuera de la Serena, Valle de la Serena, Hornachos, and Castuera. The closest river is the Guadámez River, which flows about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the town.
Connecting Regions
Retamal de Llerena is like a meeting point for several different areas. These include Tierra de Barros, La Serena, Campiña del Sur, and Las Vegas Bajas del Guadiana.
The town shares its borders with several other places. To the north, it borders Oliva de Mérida and Valle de la Serena. To the northeast, it borders Higuera de la Serena and Zalamea de la Serena. To the southeast, it borders Campillo de Llerena, and to the southwest, it borders Hornachos.
Land and Weather
The land around Retamal de Llerena is quite hilly. The highest points reach about 630 meters (2,067 feet) in an area called Serrata. The lowest points are around 480 meters (1,575 feet) near the Campillo dam. Small streams flow through the area and eventually join the Guadámez River.
Climate
The climate here is a Mediterranean subtropical type. This means it has mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The average temperature for the whole year is about 15.9°C (60.6°F).
In winter, the average temperature is around 8.8°C (47.8°F). It can sometimes get as cold as -3.6°C (25.5°F). Summers are hot, with an average temperature of 24.7°C (76.5°F). High temperatures can reach up to 42.6°C (108.7°F). The area gets about 463.6 millimeters (18.25 inches) of rain each year.
Plants and Trees
The natural plants in this area are mostly tough, leathery-leaved forests. You can find many oak trees and cork oak trees growing here.
A Look at History
Retamal de Llerena has an interesting history. In the past, for military reasons, the town was settled near the limits of Santiago. It was not part of the Magacela Priory or attached to Castuera, even though it was close.
Around 1594, during a census, Retamal was part of the "Lion of the Order of Santiago" state. At that time, it had 173 common people and was under the charge of Hornachos.
When the old political system, called the Ancient Regime, ended, the town's name changed. It was then known simply as Retamal in the region of Extremadura. From 1834, Retamal became part of the Llerena judicial district. In 1842, a census showed it had 62 homes and 225 residents.
Fun Activities
Retamal de Llerena is a great place for people who love sports and outdoor activities.
Hunting and Fishing
The area has many places for hunting. People can find different animals like rabbits, pigeons, partridges, and boar.
There are also swamps nearby, which are perfect for fishing. You can also enjoy other water sports like boating.
Other Sports
If you like being active on land, you can go mountainbiking or hiking on the trails. The town also has its own football (soccer) team!
Important Buildings
Retamal de Llerena has one main historical building: the Church of San Pedro. This church is dedicated to Saint Peter, who is the patron saint of the town. It belongs to the Archdiocese of Mérida-Badajoz.
There are also two other important spots called Fuente del Pilar. These are fountains located on Juan Carlos I Street and Chaplaincy Street.
Local Celebrations
The town celebrates many special events throughout the year:
- Candelaria: This celebration takes place on the first Saturday of February.
- Carnival: This lively festival is held on a Saturday between late January and early March, depending on the year's calendar.
- Burial of the Sardine: This fun event happens on Shrove Tuesday, marking the end of Carnival.
- Easter: During Easter, there are special processions on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday.
- The Tour: This event is celebrated on Easter Monday.
- Pilgrimage of San Isidro: A pilgrimage in honor of Saint Isidore is celebrated on May 15.
- Parties San Pedro: These parties honor Saint Peter, the town's patron. They are held on June 29, which is Saint Peter's Day.
- Fair Emigrant: This fair includes the Day of Migrants on August 15. The festivities usually happen during the second or third week of August.
- Living Crib: This special event takes place between December 25 and 31. Children and young people act out the story of the Nativity.
Images for kids
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A view of Retamal de Llerena from above.
See also
In Spanish: Retamal de Llerena para niños
