Ribera Alta (comarca)
| Ribera Alta | |
|---|---|
| Comarca | |
 |
|
| Country |
 Spain
|
| Autonomous community |
 Valencian Community
|
| Province | Valencia |
| Capital | Alzira |
| Municipalities |
List
|
| Area | |
| • Total | 951.56 km2 (367.40 sq mi) |
| Population (2006) | |
| • Total | 213,553 |
| • Density | 220/km2 (580/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
| Largest municipality | Alzira |
Ribera Alta is a comarca in the province of Valencia, Valencian Community, Spain.
The Júcar, the great river of the Valencian community, is most characteristic of the Ribera Alta, bringing water from the Cuenca to fertilize this plain, situated to the south of the Valencia. The economy of this predominantly agricultural regionis based primarily upon the orange harvest, a crop which has been cultivated since the 18th century. From its rich historical and artistic heritage, the most noteworthy of all of the region’s treasures are the towns of La Pobla Llarga, Carcaixent and Alzira. These, alongside a rich and varied gastronomy and an extensive festival calendar, make this region, which is still virtually untouched by tourists, a very attractive area in which to spend time.
The gastronomy of the Ribera Alta is, like the rest of Valencia, rich in rice dishes. Here the specialties include the well-known food of the fens such as dry rice dishes and stews cooked on an open fire or in the heat of clay ovens. Dishes such as all ipebre (potatoes and eels), espardenyà (potatoes, eels, rabbit and eggs), as well as the universally known Valencian paella, provide a diverse culinary offering which can be tasted in the many bars and restaurants of the region. The desserts consist of a rich and varied range of sweetbreads and cakes, the most noteworthy of which include arnadí de carabassa, pastissets de moniato, panquemados from Alberic or fogasses, made of sugar and flour, not to mention honey from Montroy, all to be taken with the excellent Moscatel and Malvazia wines from Monserrat and Turis. The Ribera Alta is an excellent festive region, with annual fiestas taking place in each and every one of the villages and towns, most notably the popular religious festivities and celebrationsheld in the summer months. Some of the most outstanding fiestas are the Fallas of Saint Joseph, where statues are erected and then burnt in many villages in the middle of March, les Danses de Guadassuar, held in the last week of August, the festivals of Mare de déu delLluch in the village of Alzira and Mare de Déu d’Aigües Vives in the village of Carcaixent, or the festival of Mare de Déu de la Salut in the village of Algemesi on September, and which has taken place for over 800 years. La Mare de Déu de la Salut Festival takes place in the historical parts of the city of Algemesí on 7 and 8 September each year.
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Wikipedia