Discover Bigastro: Huerta, Routes and Living Tradition

Bigastro between Huerta and Routes

The Ruta Alquibla gives Bigastro a clear connection between landscape, local life and movement: the 9-kilometre route is divided into three areas, La Pedrera, the town centre and the traditional Huerta. At the same time, it is integrated into the Camino del Sureste of the Way of Saint James. For your trip planning, this opens up different perspectives on the town – from the rural surroundings and the built-up centre to the agriculturally shaped areas.

Those wishing to plan a shorter section will find part of the Ruta Alquibla in La Pedrera, associated with a low level of difficulty, 2.7 kilometres and a stated duration of 40 minutes. La Pedrera is suitable for walking. The Parque Huerto del Cura complements this side of Bigastro as a place to relax and for occasional events such as open-air concerts.

Huerta and Landscape with History

The traditional Huerta is considered historical, cultural, natural and agricultural heritage because of its very old rural tradition and its traditional irrigation system dating from the Islamic period. The Huerta Tradicional area contains ecological gardens and a viewpoint with panoramic views over the Huerta and the nearby towns. This part of Bigastro therefore combines the town’s agricultural character with expansive landscape views.

The La Loma Ancha landscape, away from the town centre, provides animals with a quiet habitat. Vegetation characteristic of semi-arid climates grows there, differing clearly between the sun-facing and shaded slopes. La Loma Ancha also contains an archaeological site with preserved ceramic remains, which are displayed in various museums in the Vega Baja. Remains of the masonry of former rectangular houses have also been documented there.

Church, Archive and Music

The Iglesia Parroquial Nuestra Señora de Belén is part of the town’s historic character. It is a Bien de Relevancia Local and dates from the first quarter of the 18th century. The church contains an 18th-century sculpture of Saint Joachim, created by the Valencian sculptor Felipe Andreu.

The Municipal Historical Archive of Bigastro organises exhibitions, publishes materials, and offers conferences and guided tours. The monument to Maestro Manuel Moya Pomares stands on the central street, which bears his name. Music also has a long documented history in the town: the Sociedad Unión Musical de Bigastro dates back to 1918. Its regular concert programme includes a Christmas concert, a New Year’s concert, a members’ concert and a concert for Saint Cecilia.

Festivals and Processions

The Fiestas patronales in honour of San Joaquín take place from 5 August to 17 August. They include Comparsa parades, a procession, children’s parades and a floral offering. On Corpus Christi, a procession passes through the streets of Bigastro; the streets and façades are decorated, and a monumental carpet made of flower petals is created in the square in front of the church.

Religious traditions also shape the course of the year. The Romería de San Isidro leads from the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Belén to a hermitage in the La Pedrera recreational area. The Procesión del Encuentro takes place on Domingo de Gloria. Two procession groups leave the church in opposite directions and then meet to represent the encounter between the Virgin and her son.

The Fiestas de la Cruz are celebrated in Bigastro’s La Cruz neighbourhood on the weekend of 5 and 6 May. The cross associated with them is currently decorated with carnations.

Practical Information for Your Planning

The Bigastro Tourist Information Office is located in the town hall at Plaza de la Constitución 1. Bus stops are designated on the CV-95 road next to Muebles MEM and next to the Vega Rapid workshop.

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For the higher-level travel overview: Alicante.