It is almost unbelievable that this walk happened and reached the blockchain for this #WednesdayWalk. It was Sunday, four days ago. Usually, on Sundays, I want to work around things that I haven't done through the week, but it always happens differently. The plans always fail ... but nice things happen instead of the planned ones. So I just started to be a bit around hive and my husband asked would I like to go for a walk. After the agreement to go to the harbor, we went and hoped to walk and chill among the boats, watch the fish in the water, listen to the seagulls. Well, not many minutes lasted that plan, because we met a former neighbor and the walk turned into a talk. Without walk. We had really interesting topics to cover and after an hour of talking we just said, it would be better to meet and home one day, so we could continue where we left.
After that failed walk, a new plan was born. In the afternoon we will go to a nearby town called Villajoyosa. I know that the houses there are colorful on the promenade by the sea. A long time ago I heard that the reason they were painted in different colors was that fishermen returning home from the open sea could more easily find their homes and sail towards them. I don't know whether it is the official reason or not, but definitely, it is nice to see those colorful facades. I wanted to go and enjoy a peaceful afternoon.
But what happened is that our friends that live in Valencia, that are just that so crazy that many times surprise us by their unexpected presence, called a half an hour before arriving to inform us that they are coming. We love them so much that we would never refuse their visit. So they came, but at the same time, I didn't want to give up on my planned afternoon Villajoyosa walk. You guess well: we went together after lunch to take that walk.
The town has a long history. It had its first settlers somewhere back in the Bronze Age. During Roman times, it gained more power and development, and it was known as the city of Alonis. Some hot springs have been found, probably used by Romans. The Middle Ages brought some calm times to the place, as it was almost inhabited. Around the year 1300, a Christian city was founded here, with strategic purposes. To control the coastline of Muslim maritime attacks.
This place, Villajoyosa (that means cheerful village) had again an important role in the defense of the area during the 16th century. Berbel and pirate attacks were not unusual to this whole area, so coastal watchtowers were built. Also, numerous orchard towers were attached to the rural houses, and new walls were built to protect the village. Once, all those attacks were left to history, somewhere at the end of the 17th century, urban growth was possible also outside of the protection walls.
A little bit different architecture, still colorful :)
The city now lives from tourism and the chocolate industry, but in the past, fishing was the main activity. It has 13 beaches, which makes in total a 15km long coastline where you can find a place to swim or just chill a bit. During summer, the city is full of tourists for one more reason. There is a festival, called Moors and Christians, which is the biggest event of the year in that place. It has been held for over 250 now, which celebrates one battle (that happened even before) when pirates wanted to attack Villajoyosa. There is a legend that St. Martha came to help the people who lived in the town by causing a flash flood that destroyed the enemy fleet. So the residents of Villajoyosa, to show their gratitude, made her their patron saint and celebrated every summer the festival.
Are we going to play again? Who is ready for a new guessing game? I am looking for the answer to a question that you can find if you want on the internet. I mentioned this festival, Moors and Christians, that celebrates the victory of the city. Can you find the information on when was the battle fought? Which year? If you can not find the exact year, I will accept the nearest guess. You have the right to one guess. The game will last for one week (until next Wednesday) or until the exact year will be said. A small tip will be given to the winner :) Have fun!!
