La Concepción between the Almanzora, heritage and living traditions

La Concepción between the riverbed and cultural landscape

Those wishing to explore La Concepción actively can consider two clearly described routes: The cycling route “Huercal – Taberno – Albox – Almanzora – Arboleas – Zurgena – La Concepción – Huercal” passes through La Concepción and follows a paved track through the Almanzora riverbed as far as El Pilar. A hiking route from Huércal-Overa to La Concepción follows the Sierrecica path, crosses the Almanzora River and reaches the church.

Architectural history and an aristocratic landscape

The Ermita de la Concepción in Overa, dating from 1738, is part of the area’s historical character. The Overa area, which includes La Concepción, is also shaped by 19th-century country residences with gardens and palm trees; their character is aristocratic and picturesque. The construction period, gardens and palm trees offer several specific points of observation for a tour of the surrounding area.

Another church is the Ermita de la Purísima Concepción. It was built in Campico de Nubla on the right bank of the Almanzora River and was completed in 1738.

Water, citrus fruits and agricultural traces

The Overa area, which includes La Concepción, has traditionally been irrigated with water from the Almanzora River. At the same time, it is characterised by citrus cultivation. The Almanzora’s water and the cultivation of citrus fruits thus define two specific aspects of this agriculturally shaped landscape.

The irrigation system is particularly tangible at the Palacés irrigation channel. It is 2,940 m long and flows into the river at the Los Ballestas bridge near the Ermita de la Concepción. It irrigates 57 hectares, 7 ares and 74 centiares.

Festivals and forms of cultural heritage

The traditions of Overa also have a firmly established place in the annual calendar. In La Concepción, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated on 8 December. The Carnaval de Overa is recognised as intangible cultural heritage of Andalusia and is regarded as a festival of general interest to the municipality of Huércal-Overa.

The Carnaval de Overa comprises four forms: Máscaras de camisa, also known as Peloteros, Mascaricas de Curucurú, Osos and Comparsa. In the run-up to the Carnaval de Overa, lamb and wine are consumed communally.

Memory and community in La Concepción

The local history guide “Nubla. La ermita de la Concepción-Overa” documents the history, traditions, customs and community life of La Concepción with more than 1,500 family photographs. Some of these images are more than 100 years old. Another communal practice is the agricultural work known as “desperfolle”, which is carried out in La Concepción together with relatives, neighbours and friends.

For further orientation within the same broader destination, see Almajalejo.

For the broader travel overview: Huércal-Overa.