Fonsagrada

A Fonsagrada is a town and municipality in the province of Lugo in the autonomous community of Galicia in northwest Spain which is 25 miles east-north-east of Lugo by road. Its population in 2004 was 5,007. A Fonsagrada is situated 3,166 feet above sea-level on the watershed between the rivers Rodil and Suarna. It is an important market for all kinds of agricultural produce, and it manufactures linen and frieze.

The history of Fonsagrada (traditional name) is linked to the pilgrim way to Santiago. A variant of the Way, the "camino primitivo", goes through the municipality.

The City Council of Burón was composed of the existing councils of Fonsagrada and Negueira de Muñiz. Subsequently, the council Negueira de Muñiz separated from Fonsagrada. In 1943 the provincial council elected its mayor Benjamin Alvarez Fernandez to the position of prosecutor in courts in the First Legislature of the Spanish Courts (1943-1946), representing the municipalities of this province.

The "primitive way" to Santiago refers to a stretch between Oviedo and Palas de Rei. It enters Galicia through Fonsagrada, among whose landmarks is the "New Royal Hospital of Santiago de Montouto", a half-ruined building, which was used by pilgrims. This hospital has its origin in the "Old Royal Hospital of Santiago de Montouto", founded by Pedro I "The cruel". The hospital gives its name to a local mountain range, the "Serra do Hospital".

A Fonsagrada and its villages has a particular tradition of celebrating carnival or Antroido. During the festivals the lights are turned off and turn on torches (called locally in Galician "fachas") and the people leave for a pilgrimage.

Also to note is the "Feria de septiembre," or "September Fair" in English, one of the largest and most traditional livestock festivals across the province of Lugo. However, due to the abandonment of many small farms in nearby villages, its importance was lost in the late 20th century.

The "Feria del emigrantes," or "Fair of Emigrants" in English, is held in early or mid-August and has replaced the importance of the "Feria de septiembre." It is celebrated as a reunion with those that left and never came back but return to the area for vacations.

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Wikipedia