Algar de Palància

Gastronomy:

Parish Church of Our Lady of Mercy, dating from 18th-century, Baroque style. It has a single nave with side chapels between the buttresses and a rectangular presbytery. Torre Arabic (now the Town Hall), is a 13th-century Arabic watchtower that was restored and converted into the town hall in 1983. The present Culture Centre is located in the former residence of the Baron de Algar. The building also houses the offices of the local irrigation community. The most notable buildings include the “Joaquin Rodrigo” Municipal Auditorium and the Calvary, which is located outside the village. The municipality of Algar is full of wide open natural spaces and leisure and recreational areas. The most notable is known as “Les Planets”, an area perfect for enjoying nature. The second most notable area is “La Presa de Algar”, offering superb views of the surrounding countryside. Lastly, mention must be made of “El Cordel de la Rambla de Azuebar”, a local trail that passes through Algar de Paláncia. It consists of about 5 km of very quiet landscapes.

Places of interest:

Parish Church of Our Lady of Mercy, dating from 18th-century, Baroque style. It has a single nave with side chapels between the buttresses and a rectangular presbytery. Torre Arabic (now the Town Hall), is a 13th-century Arabic watchtower that was restored and converted into the town hall in 1983. The present Culture Centre is located in the former residence of the Baron de Algar. The building also houses the offices of the local irrigation community. The most notable buildings include the “Joaquin Rodrigo” Municipal Auditorium and the Calvary, which is located outside the village. The municipality of Algar is full of wide open natural spaces and leisure and recreational areas. The most notable is known as “Les Planets”, an area perfect for enjoying nature. The second most notable area is “La Presa de Algar”, offering superb views of the surrounding countryside. Lastly, mention must be made of “El Cordel de la Rambla de Azuebar”, a local trail that passes through Algar de Paláncia. It consists of about 5 km of very quiet landscapes.

Festivities:

Festivities are held in late January in honour of Saint Anthony. Following local tradition, the local priest blesses animals and at night a large bonfire is lit in Plaza Mayor, where the townsfolk and visitors roast meat and sausages (distributed by the Village Council). The week of bull-running festivities (bous al carrer) is held the third week of August. The first week of August sees the celebration of a cultural and sports week. Sports competitions, exhibitions of crafts, dramatic productions, etc., are organized. The village’s festivities are held in September. Bull-running festivities are held during the first weekend. The following weekend sees the celebrations in honour of the village’s patron saint, Saint Peter Nolasco, and the festivities held in honour of the Virgin of Mercy. The streets are decorated, the municipal band animates the parade and High Mass is held. Following Mass, portions of “pa beneit” (blessed bread) are distributed and a traditional “mascletà” fireworks display is launched. At lunchtime, the traditional “caldera” stew is served, and at night a procession is held during which the locals that accompany the statue wear traditional “Turquet” costumes. At night there are fireworks and a traditional Manila Shawl Dance. Sunday is the Day of the Dead, and amusement rides for the little ones are installed.