Costa del Sol Towns
Cartama, has a population of 17,690 inhabitants.
Situated 17 km from Malaga,
it is part of its metropolitan area. Its economy was based on the cultivation
of citrus, a large meat processing company, a major thrust of the construction
companies and everything related to them, there is also favored by its
situation as a crossroads for local trade.
The municipality is 11 villages, being Cartama,
Cartama village and the main station. Other townships are to highlight the
Sexmo, Sierra de Gibralgalia, Loma
Basin, New Aljaima,
Expanding Cartama, etc.
It is a very ancient city which dates back to the Phoenicians and in ancient
times had some significance, with numerous archaeological remains especially
Roman. It is the end point of the navigable stretch of the river Guadalhorce.
It had a river port in Roman times, the remains of a Moorish castle.
The town's patron saint is the Virgen de los
Remedios, in the chapel of the same name, with great devotion among the people.
The church of Nuestra Senora de los Remedios in Cartama
is an excellent example of social and religious links that begin in the years
after the Christian conquest (1485).
In which legends are born of the finding of the
Virgin Mary in this place, which was consolidated when it is dedicated to
Nuestra Senora de los Remedios, during the 1579 epidemic, that devotion remains
alive and strong impact on the region.
The feast of Nuestra Senora de los Remedios is celebrated in April, for 22 days
of this month ( which is also the birthday of the famous philosopher
Estacionero), This is the beginning of the holiday for the village, which will
last about four or five days or so.
The great day of the patron saint is the April 23 on which is
celebrated his feast, consisting of his procession on his throne, through the
town's main streets (Calle Arriba and Calle Enmedio), thus leaving the parish
and returning to it. These same villagers, take turns, both men and women, to
carry him on their shoulders.
It is also known for its cattle fairs on April 22 and September 24.
