Chelva | |
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 Coat of arms | |
  Chelva Location in Spain Show map of Province of Valencia Chelva Chelva (Valencian Community) Show map of Valencian Community Chelva Chelva (Spain) Show map of Spain | |
| Coordinates:39°44′49″N0°59′51″W / 39.74694°N 0.99750°W /39.74694; -0.99750 | |
| Country |  Spain |
| Autonomous community |  Valencian Community |
| Province | Valencia |
| Comarca | Los Serranos |
| Judicial district | Llíria |
| Government | |
| • Alcalde | David Cañigueral Belmonte |
| Area | |
• Total | 190.6 km2 (73.6 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 800 m (2,600 ft) |
| Population (2025-01-01)[1] | |
• Total | 1,863 |
| • Density | 9.774/km2 (25.32/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | Chelvano, chelvana |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | 46176 |
| Official language(s) | Spanish |
| Website | Official website |
Chelva is amunicipality in thecomarca ofLos Serranos in theValencian Community, Spain. Its name inValencian isXelva, but the local language is Spanish and not Valencian.
Chelva has an area of about 192 km2. The town is located in the middle of themountains, and about 52% of its area is covered by typicalMediterranean woodlands. Two rivers flow through the municipality: one with the same name of the village (Chelva), and the other theTuria River, which flows to the Mediterranean viaValencia. The rivers do not meet in Chelva, but rather in adjacentDomeño.
The municipality is also home to several notable summits: theCerro de la Nevera (1,259 metres or 4,131 feet),La Atalaya (1,157 metres or 3,796 feet), and thePico del Remedio (1,054 metres or 3,458 feet). There are also several naturalsprings; the most well known are: Berra, Gitana, Gorgol, Sabina, and Cortina.
Chelva has a semiaridMediterranean climate, with some rain in autumn and spring. In winter, it is cold, and in parts of the mountains snow is common.
Since 1794—when its population was 7,200 inhabitants—the census has registered a gradual decline in population, to a total of fewer than 2000 inhabitants today. The population is distributed in the main city of Chelva as well as a few nearby villages: Villar de Tejas, Ahíllas, Alcotas, Mas de Caballero, Mas de Sancho, and El Cerrito.
| 1842 | 1857 | 1860 | 1877 | 1887 | 1897 | 1900 | 1910 | 1920 | 1930 | 1940 | 1950 | 1960 | 1970 | 1981 | 1991 | 2001 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4488 | 4499 | 4999 | 5202 | 4947 | 4911 | 5402 | 5457 | 5652 | 4647 | 4652 | 4130 | 3608 | 3078 | 2234 | 2065 | 2046 | 1986 | 1938 | 1877 |
The oldest archeological finds in Chelva are some paintings from theNeolithic era. From the Bronze Age we find a site in Nieva del Medio. Chelva was home to theancient Iberians, evidenced by the remains of two villages in Torrecilla and Castillejo de Alcotas. Many examples of pottery, decorated with geometrical designs, have been found there, and some walls can still be seen.
The most important remains to be found in Chelva's limits are from theRoman epoch. From then we find the aqueduct calledPeña Cortada, which stretches along Tuejar, Chelva, Calles, and Domeño, but with an unknown destination.
The origins of the present town can be found in the 11th century, when the rulingMoors established a fortress. The original city center was developed adjacent to the castle, and bore the name "Benacacira." It was enclosed by a wall with four gates (one is still visible, San Cristobal). Because of these fortifications, Chelva was a town of considerable importance during the Muslim rule.
Permanent Moorish control of the town ended in 1194, when the city was conquered byPeter II ofAragon. In 1214 the Muslims briefly retook Chelva, but by 1238 Christian troops took permanent control of the town.
The city was repopulated with Christians in 1390 andKing John I bestowed upon Pedro Ladron de Vilanova the title of Viscount of Cheva. In later years, this title belonged to the Frigolas family, and finally, to Duke Villahermosa.
During theRevolt of the Brotherhoods in the 16th century,[2] the town was occupied by revoltingagermanados troops.
In 1839 during theCarlist War, the city was fortified and converted in a hospital by General Cabrera.
San Antón: 17 January. On the closest weekend to this date people in Chelva make big fires to get the higher amount of "jewels" (live chickens). During this weekend the town also hosts an international oral storytelling festival:Cuentantón.
Holy Week. During the Holy week, apart from regular religious celebrations, Chelva celebrates a very special tradition: The first Sunday of Easter, after the procession of theEncuentro, thousands of "aleluyas" are thrown from the top of the church. These little pieces of paper are blessed and have religious inscriptions. People fight to get them because, according to tradition, they bring luck to those who manage to put them behind doors and windows forming a cross.
May fiesta: 30 April. Typical manifestation of traditional folklore. Accompanied by a group of musicians, people go around the city singing "Mayos". These are funny lines that, formerly, boys used to sing to girls in order to seduce them.
Youth week: July. During the week there are many activities, but the most important is thepaella competition. On Friday night the townsfolk gather at thePlaza Mayor and compete to make the best paella. After the competition, a band stays in the square, performing the rest of the evening.
Our Lady of Remedio: August. A whole week full of activities, processions, and different bands playing every night. The festival also includes sports competitions like indoor football, marathon, chess, and fishing. There are also fireworks.
Municipalities ofLos Serranos | ||
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