Xerta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Xerta
Cherta
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Municipality
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 Xerta
Location in Province of Tarragona
Xerta
Location in Catalonia
Xerta
Location in Spain
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| Country |  Spain |
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| Autonomous Community |  Catalonia |
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| Province | Tarragona | ||
| Comarca | Baix Ebre | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 32.4 km2 (12.5 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 12 m (39 ft) | ||
| Population | |||
| • Total | 1,150 | ||
| • Density | 35.49/km2 (91.9/sq mi) | ||
| Demonym(s) | Xertolí, xertolina | ||
Xerta is a town and a local government area called a municipality in Catalonia, Spain. It is part of the comarca (a region) called Baix Ebre. Xerta is located right on a bend of the Ebre River. It's about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) upstream from the city of Tortosa.
Contents
Where is Xerta Located?
The Xerta municipality covers an area of about 33.55 square kilometers (13 square miles). The Ebre River forms a natural border on the east side. On the west, the land becomes hilly, with small mountains that are part of the Iberian System.
Xerta is well-connected to other towns like Mora d'Ebre and Tortosa. You can also easily reach the A-7 highway. This is thanks to the regional road C-12, also known as the "Eix de l'Ebre." In the past, there was a railway line that connected Xerta to Zaragoza. This line closed in 1973. Now, it has been turned into a greenway, which is a path for walking and cycling. This path stretches for 110 kilometers (68 miles).
The Assut of Xerta: An Ancient Dam
The Assut of Xerta is a very important structure for managing water. It has been named a Cultural Asset of National Interest by the government of Catalonia. This means it's a historical monument. The Assut is a dam built across the Ebre River, about 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) upstream from the town. It is about 375 meters (1,230 feet) long. Its main job is to send water into special channels. These channels, called the Right and Left Ebre irrigation canals, help water the farms in the area.
Fun Festivals in Xerta
Summer Festivities of Saint James
The summer festivals in Xerta celebrate Saint James on July 25. During these festivals, you can see traditional street bulls. There is also a big paella meal by the river. A special event is the "White Night." On this night, people try not to sleep! It starts with dancing outside the school. Then, a brass band plays music and walks through the village streets. They wake everyone up for breakfast. The night ends with a bull chase in the streets that lasts all morning.
Festival of Saint Martin
Another important festival in Xerta is for the town's patron saint, Saint Martin, on November 11. This festival also features traditional street bull chasing. People enjoy a popular dinner of beef stew. A highlight is dancing the Jota Xertolina. This is a traditional dance that the local people keep alive. Around five o'clock, people of all ages gather in the town square. They wear traditional Xerta costumes, making the square colorful. Then, they dance the Jota Xertolina together. These and many other activities make the festivals very enjoyable for everyone in Xerta.
See Also
In Spanish: Cherta para niños
