Cartama

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 cultivationof citrus, a large meat processing company, a major thrust of the constructioncompanies and everything related to them, there is also favored by itssituation as a crossroads for local trade.

The municipality is 11 villages, being Cartama,Cartama village and the main station. Other townships are to highlight theSexmo, Sierra de Gibralgalia, Loma Basin, New Aljaima,Expanding Cartama, etc. It is a very ancient city which dates back to the Phoenicians and in ancienttimes had some significance, with numerous archaeological remains especiallyRoman.

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 losRemedios, in the chapel of the same name, with great devotion among the people.The church of Nuestra Senora de los Remedios in Cartamais an excellent example of social and religious links that begin in the yearsafter the Christian conquest (1485).

In which legends are born of the finding of theVirgin Mary in this place, which was consolidated when it is dedicated toNuestra Senora de los Remedios, during the 1579 epidemic, that devotion remainsalive and strong impact on the region. The feast of Nuestra Senora de los Remedios is celebrated in April, for 22 daysof this month ( which is also the birthday of the famous philosopherEstacionero), This is the beginning of the holiday for the village, which willlast about four or five days or so.

The great day of the patron saint is the April 23 on which iscelebrated his feast, consisting of his procession on his throne, through thetown’s main streets (Calle Arriba and Calle Enmedio), thus leaving the parishand returning to it. These same villagers, take turns, both men and women, tocarry him on their shoulders.

It is also known for its cattle fairs on April 22 and September 24.