Aragon

Aragon is a special area in northeastern Spain called an autonomous community. It used to be the medieval Kingdom of Aragon. The capital city is Zaragoza. Aragon has three provinces: Huesca, Zaragoza, and Teruel.

The land in Aragon is very different in many places. There are tall mountains with glaciers, green valleys, farms with lots of animals, fruit orchards, and dry grasslands in the middle areas. The big river Ebro runs through Aragon from west to east.

As of January 2024, about 1.3 million people lived in Aragon. Most of them live in Zaragoza. The work and businesses in Aragon made a lot of money in 2023, which is a big part of Spain's total money that year. Aragon is also split into 33 smaller areas called comarcas, each with its own rich history from long ago.

Geography

Aragon covers an area of 47,720 square kilometers. It is in northeastern Spain, between 39º and 43º'N latitude, in a temperate zone. Aragon borders France to the north and several Spanish regions to the west, east, and south.

The land of Aragon has the Ebro valley in the middle, surrounded by mountains. The highest peaks are Aneto and Moncayo.

Valleys in the Pyrenees are formed by rivers such as the Veral, Aragón Subordán, Aragón, Gállego, and Cinca.

The central part of Aragon has wide low areas along the Ebro River. North of the river is the Sierra de Alcubierre range.

The southern part of Aragon has hilly areas with heights such as Moncayo, Sierra de Albarracín, Sierra de Javalambre, and Sierra de Gúdar.

Aragon has two main climate types: semi-arid and oceanic, with many smaller climate zones. Rainfall is generally low and falls mostly in higher areas. Temperatures change a lot, with cold winters and hot summers.

Vegetation changes with height and climate. Forests of pines, firs, and oaks grow in higher areas, while evergreen oak and juniper trees are common in the central valley.

Most rivers in Aragon flow into the Ebro River, Spain's largest river. Important tributaries include the Aragón River, Gállego River, Cinca River, Jalón River, Huerva River, and Guadalope River.

The Mequinenza Reservoir, often called the "Sea of Aragon," is a large lake along the Ebro River near the border with Catalonia.

Small mountain lakes called ibones are found in the Pyrenees, usually above 2,000 meters.

Aragon has several protected natural spaces managed by the Red Natural de Aragón. The Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park is Aragon's only national park, established in 1918. Other protected areas include natural parks, nature reserves, and more.

The Aiguabarreig Segre-Cinca-Ebro area is where the Segre and Cinca rivers meet the Ebro River, creating a rich mix of ecosystems from Mediterranean steppes to riverside forests. This area is one of the largest river confluences on the Iberian Peninsula.

History

Main category: History of Aragon

Aragon, located in northeastern Spain, has connected the Mediterranean Sea, the center of the Iberian Peninsula, and the coasts of the Cantabrian Sea for thousands of years. Aragon as we know it today formed during the Middle Ages.

Prehistory

The oldest signs of human life in Aragon date back to around 600,000 years ago during the ice ages. These early people left tools made from flint and quartzite. Later, new cultures appeared during the Upper Palaeolithic period, and by the Neolithic period, people were living in areas like Huesca and Lower Aragon.

Ancient history

See also: Hispania

In ancient times, Aragon was influenced by peoples from the Mediterranean, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Etruscans. The Romans arrived and brought major changes, building roads and cities like Caesaraugusta (Zaragoza). After the Roman Empire fell, the area was ruled by the Visigoths and later by Muslims from North Africa.

Middle Ages

See also: Kingdom of Aragon and Crown of Aragon

After the Western Roman Empire ended, Aragon was ruled by the Visigoths. In 714, Muslims from North Africa took control and turned many cities to Islam. Later, a small County of Aragon emerged and grew, eventually becoming part of the Kingdom of Pamplona. Under kings like Ramiro I, the kingdom expanded, and by the time of Alfonso I, it included cities like Zaragoza. The Crown of Aragon formed when Ramiro II united with the County of Barcelona, creating a powerful medieval state.

Early Modern Age c. 1500–1789

The Early Modern Age brought tension between the Spanish monarchy and local Aragonese leaders. In 1590–1591, a revolt occurred when a Castilian was appointed as Viceroy, leading to unrest in Zaragoza. During this time, Aragonese writers focused on preserving their history and culture.

1790–1936

In the late 18th century, France invaded and caused damage to Zaragoza. Aragon supported liberal reforms in the early 19th century, but these were later overturned. By the mid-19th century, many people moved from rural areas to cities. In the early 20th century, Aragon experienced economic growth and new freedoms, but plans for autonomy were stopped by the Spanish Civil War.

Spanish Civil War 1936–1939

During the Spanish Civil War, Aragon was divided. Important battles took place there, and after the war, Aragon came under Franco’s rule.

1939–present

After the Civil War, Aragon saw many people move to cities for work. In the 1970s, Aragon began to seek its own autonomy. In 1982, Aragon’s autonomy statute was approved. In the 1990s and 2000s, Aragon improved its infrastructure and technology. In 2007, the Statute of Autonomy was reformed again, granting Aragon more recognition and rights.

Demographics

As of 2015, half of the people in Aragon live in its capital city, Zaragoza. Huesca is the only other city in the region with more than 50,000 people.

Most people in Aragon live in the province of Zaragoza. About 17% live in Huesca, and 11% live in Teruel. The region has few people per square kilometer, only about 27, which is the second lowest in Spain after Castilla-La Mancha. The busiest areas are around the valley of the river Ebro, especially near Zaragoza. The least busy places are higher up in the Pyrenean mountains and in most of the southern province of Teruel.

Only four cities have more than 20,000 people: Zaragoza with about 700,000, Huesca with about 50,000, Teruel with about 35,000, and Calatayud with about 20,000.

Spanish is the main language spoken by nearly everyone in Aragon and is the only official language. In addition, the Aragonese language is still spoken in some northern mountain areas of the Pyrenees. In the eastern parts of Aragon, close to the border with Catalonia, varieties of the Catalan language are spoken.

Laws about languages in Aragon were passed in 2009 and 2013 to help manage the different languages spoken there.

Culture

See also: Music of Aragon

Some beautiful old buildings in Teruel and Zaragoza are protected by UNESCO as part of the World Heritage Sites called Mudéjar Architecture of Aragon.

A traditional dance in Aragon is called the jota. It is a fast dance that people enjoy all over Aragon. The way it is done and the music can change in different places.

People in Aragon play special instruments like a stringed drum called "Chicotén", bagpipes named "gaita de boto", and flutes such as the "Chiflo". Some old instruments, like the "trompa de Ribagorza", have been lost, but people are working to make them again.

The Carnival of Bielsa in Huesca has a long history. During the carnival, men dress up in skirts, cowbells, and goat-like horns with black-painted faces. They call themselves "Trangas" and dance with young women named "madamas" who wear colorful dresses. There is also a man dressed as a bear called "l'onso".

Cuisine

Aragon has rich land and mountains, so its food includes lots of lamb, beef, and dairy products. The region is famous for its ham from Teruel, olive oil from Empeltre and Arbequina, and a special type of sausage called longaniza from Graus. You can also find rainbow trout, salmon, boar, truffles, and wild mushrooms in the upper valleys.

Aragon also makes special foods like a local version of haggis called chireta, tasty crab pastes, and sweet treats such as "Adoquines del Pilar" and "Frutas de Aragón". Other sweets include "Tortas de alma" from Teruel and "Trenza de Almudevar" or "Castañas de Huesca" from Huesca.

Research

The University of Zaragoza is the largest university in Aragon and does research in many different subjects. Aragon is home to important research centers, including:

• The Astrophysical Observatory of Javalambre (OAJ) in the Javalambre mountain range, south of Teruel. It is managed by the Center for Physics Studies of the Cosmos of Aragon (CEFCA) in Teruel.
• The Canfranc Underground Laboratory in the north of Huesca, run by a group of the Aragon and national governments and the University of Zaragoza.

Economy

Aragon's economy is stronger than the average for Spain. In 2018, the total value of goods and services made in Aragon was 37.0 billion euros.

Farming used to be very important in Aragon, but today, factories and services are the main parts of the economy. The area around the Ebro River has good irrigation, helping farms grow wheat, barley, rye, fruit, and grapes. Raising animals is also important, especially in the north, where there are many sheep and cattle.

The biggest city, Zaragoza, has many factories, including a large car factory and places that make trains and home appliances. There are also mines for iron and coal, and places that make electricity, especially in the north. Aragon has good roads, including over 900 km of motorways, and important railway lines. There are airports in Zaragoza and Huesca.

Government and politics

Current political organization

Aragon is an autonomous community in Spain. It has its own parliament called the Cortes de Aragón. The parliament has 67 seats and meets in the Aljafería, a historic palace in Zaragoza, the capital city. The parliament chooses a president for the Aragon Government for four years. Since 2023, the president has been Jorge Azcón from the Partido Popular. Aragon also sends representatives to the Spanish parliament.

Aragon has its own political groups, like the Chunta Aragonesista and the Aragonese Party. Some people in Aragon want more self-government.

Territorial division

Aragon is divided into three provinces: Huesca, Zaragoza, and Teruel. These provinces are split into smaller areas called comarcas. There are 732 towns and cities in total.

Historic

Main articles: List of Aragonese monarchs, List of Aragonese consorts, and List of viceroys of Aragon

In the Middle Ages, Aragon was part of the Crown of Aragon. A representative called a viceroy acted for the crown from 1517. In 1479, Aragon joined Castile through marriage but kept its own laws until 1707.

Media

Aragon has television, radio, and many newspapers.

Television

On April 21, 2006, Aragon started its own television station, Aragón TV. Plans for this station were made in 1987, but it took many years to start because of political problems.

While Aragon did not have its own public television, other groups helped. TVE-Aragon made programs and educational shows. Private groups also made channels, like Antena Aragón, which was popular from 1998 to 2005. Later, Antena Aragón joined with RTVA to create ZTV (Zaragoza Television). Aragón TV officially began in 2006 after some test broadcasts.

Radio

Aragon Radio began on August 18, 2005, at 5 p.m. with traditional drums and a song from Zaragoza. The station gives regional news every hour from 7 a.m. to midnight and also covers sports.

Sport

Aragon has exciting sports teams and activities. The most successful football (soccer) club is Real Zaragoza. This club started in 1932 and has played in the top league for many seasons. They have won important trophies, including six Copa del Rey titles. Another important team is SD Huesca. It moved up to the top league in 2018 and 2020 but is now in the second league. There are many smaller teams in the area, too.

People in Aragon also enjoy skiing in the northern mountains, with popular places like Formigal and Candanchú. There is a famous race track called Ciudad del Motor de Aragón near Alcañiz, where the Aragon motorcycle Grand Prix is held.

Notable people from Aragon

Up to the 19th century

Some important people from Aragon lived long ago. There was Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, who became a queen and a saint. King Ferdinand II of Aragon married Isabella I of Castile, and together they helped form what we now know as Spain. There were also writers, musicians, and priests who made their mark in history.

20th and 21st centuries

Many famous people from Aragon have achieved great things in more recent times. Some are singers and musicians like Eva Amaral Lallana and Enrique Bunbury. Others include filmmakers such as Luis Buñuel Portolés, writers like Jesús Moncada Estruga, and athletes such as Alberto Zapater Arjol and María Pilar León Cebrián. There are also scientists, politicians, and artists who have all helped shape modern Aragon.

Symbols

Main articles: Coat of arms of Aragon and Himno de Aragón

The coat of arms of Aragon has four parts. It was first seen in 1499 and became important later. Each part tells a story from Aragon’s history.

The flag of Aragon was approved in 1984. It has four red bars on a yellow background with the coat of arms in the corner.

The anthem of Aragon was created in 1989. It mixes old music with new styles and talks about important values. Another song, Canto a la libertad, is also loved by many people in Aragon.

The Day of Aragon is celebrated on April 23 in honor of Saint George, the patron of Aragon. This day has special events and a flower flag in Zaragoza.

Image gallery

This section shows beautiful places in Aragon. You can see photos of cities and towns such as Teruel, Aínsa-Sobrarbe, Albarracín, and many more.