Xirivella

Summary

Xirivella (Valencian pronunciation: [tʃiɾiˈveʎa]) is a municipality in the Valencian Community, Spain. It borders the city of Valencia, Alaquàs, Picanya and Mislata. The municipality is divided by the V-30 motorway and the river Turia, with the La Luz district on the eastern part of the river. Since June 2012, a bridge across the motorway has connected both parts.[2] Local issues include noise pollution, caused by the nearby Valencia Airport[3]

Xirivella
Chirivella
Coat of arms of Xirivella
Xirivella is located in Province of Valencia
Xirivella
Xirivella
Location of Xirivella in the Province of Valencia
Xirivella is located in Valencian Community
Xirivella
Xirivella
Location of Xirivella in the Valencian Community
Xirivella is located in Spain
Xirivella
Xirivella
Location of Xirivella in Spain
Coordinates: 39°27′56″N 0°25′36″W / 39.46556°N 0.42667°W / 39.46556; -0.42667
Country Spain
Autonomous community Valencian Community
ProvinceValencia
ComarcaHorta Oest
Judicial districtMislata
Government
 • AlcaldeMichel Montaner Berbel (2015) (PSOE)
Area
 • Total5.2 km2 (2.0 sq mi)
Elevation
17 m (56 ft)
Population
 (2018)[1]
 • Total30,002
 • Density5,800/km2 (15,000/sq mi)
Demonym(s)Chirivellense, Xirivellenc
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
46950
Official language(s)Valencian
WebsiteOfficial website

Transport edit

It is connected to central Valencia by bus routes and a railway station. Metro links exist in the nearby town of Mislata. The proposed Line 14 of Metrovalencia is due to link the town to the rest of the metro network after 2030.

Toponymy edit

The name Xirivella may come from the Latin word Silvella (little forest).

History edit

Archeological remains have been found in Xirivella dating since Roman times.

During the Middle Ages the area was inhabited by farmers that cultivated the land. The silk industry also developed during this period.

Xirivella had a population of 29,409 inhabitants in 2014.

Sister cities edit

Xirivella has town twinned with Casas de Benítez in Cuenca province (Spain), the Dunavarsány city of Hungary and the city of Habana Vieja in Cuba.

Cultural heritage edit

 
Virgen de la Salud Church

Xirivella has an interesting cultural heritage.

The old city maintains the urbanism from the Arabic era. This is a list of the main historical buildings:

- Virgen de la Salud Church (Església de la Verge de la Salut): The only parish until 1953. It was built at the end of the 17th century.

- Virgen de la Salud Chapel (Ermita de la Verge de la Salut)

- La Closa: 14th century building. It was restored in 2003.

- Dau House: 14th century building. It was the place where taxes could be paid.

- Tithe House (Casa del Delme): 14th century house, but it was demolished around 2000.

- Alquería del Castillo (Alqueria del Castell): It has also been demolished. It was located on the site of a Roman villa.

Cultural life edit

Xirivella has a very active cultural life. There are several cultural associations that include the wind orchestra (banda) called CIM Xirivella, the choir (Escola Coral Andarella), the International Clowns Festival (Mostra Internacional de Pallassos), the music school, the Culture House where are held concerts, shows, exhibitions, and a theater. Xirivella also organize the Xirivella Award, a recognition to honor its outstanding citizens.

 
Banda del Círculo Instructivo Musical de Xirivella

Local politics edit

The municipality had been governed by the Spanish Socialist Workers Party since the 1970s, either alone or with the support of United Left. However at the 2011 local elections, the People's Party won a majority of seats for the first time.[4]

Summary of council election results edit

1979 1983 1987 1991 1995 1999 2003 2007 2011 2015 2019 2023
Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) 8 13 10 11 9 11 10 10 7 6 9 9
United Left (IU) 7 3 2 2 3 2 3 2 2 1
Union of the Democratic Centre (UCD) 6
People's Party (PP) 5 2 3 8 8 8 9 11 7 7 9
Valencian Union (UV) 2 1
Xirivella Independent Platform (PIX) 3 4 1
Democratic and Social Centre (CDS) 2
Coalició Compromís (Compromís) 1 4 2 1
Podemos (Podemos) 3 1
Citizens (Cs) 2
Vox (Vox) 2
Total number of seats 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21

Source:[5]

References edit

  1. ^ Municipal Register of Spain 2018. National Statistics Institute.
  2. ^ Medio siglo incomunicados, El País, 27 June 2012
  3. ^ Más de 2.200 viviendas están afectadas por los ruidos del aeropuerto de Manises, El Mundo, 11 July 2012
  4. ^ Los socialistas pierden Gandia y el PP, Mislata El País, 23 May 2011
  5. ^ Xirivella local results, pre.gva.es accessed 2 January 2011