by: Armando Zanolla
Alcanar belongs to the district of Montsia of the province of Tarragona. It covers a territorial extension of 47,1 Km2. It is located between the Mediterranean Sea and the massif of Montsia. The ground is mainly predominated by the calcareous stone, with lots of erosion, and full of bushes resistant to drought.
ALCANAR, POPULATION
According to the last census carried out by the Nacional Institute of Stadistics, in 2001 there were 8032 inhabitants.
ALCANAR, HISTORY
The town’s name was given by the arabs, which means ‘shop’ or ‘tent’. Its Christian foundation dates back to the XIII Century. During this time the King Jaume I handed over to his inhabitants the town’s letter, which gave them the independence from the city of Tortosa.
ALCANAR, GASTRONOMY
A traditional menu to ask for would be: ‘Picadetes de frutos tipicos del Delta’ for starters, ‘suquet de pescado’ for main course, and panoli for dessert.
ALCANAR, FIESTAS AND TRADITIONS
The locals celebrate throughout the year three important festivities: ‘San Isidro’ in may, ‘Les Cases’ in august, and ‘San Miguel’ in October. Also mention that every five years they have a procession called ‘Quinquenales’, that consists in carrying La Virgen from the Ermita through the town.
ALCANAR, PLACES TO VISIT
1. Ermita del Remei.
2. Iglesia Parroquial de San Miguel.
3. Roman Bridge dels Estrets.
4. Casa del Marques.
5. Moleta del Remei.
6. Cisterna del Vall.
7. The beaches of les Cases d’Alcanar.
8. The mountain range of Montsia.
9. Cuenca del riu de la Senia.