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, just over half, live in Zaragoza. The work and businesses in Aragon made about €46 billion in 2023, which is a big part of Spain's total money made 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 located in northeastern Spain, between 39º and 43º'N latitude, in a temperate zone. Aragon shares borders with France to the north, and several Spanish regions to the west, east, and south.

The land of Aragon features the Ebro valley at its center, surrounded by mountain ranges. The highest peaks include 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 lowland areas along the Ebro River. To the north of the river lies the Sierra de Alcubierre range.

The southern part of Aragon includes hilly areas with notable 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 depending on the landscape. Rainfall is generally low and mostly falls in higher areas. Temperatures vary greatly, with cold winters and hot summers.

Vegetation changes with altitude 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 served as a bridge between the Mediterranean Sea, the center of the Iberian Peninsula, and the coasts of the Cantabrian Sea. People have lived in this area for thousands of years, but 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, about 72%, live in the province of Zaragoza. About 17% live in Huesca, and 11% live in Teruel. The region has a low number of people per square kilometer, only about 27 people per square kilometer, 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, and in the foothills of the Pyrenean mountains. 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, especially in western Ribagorza, Sobrarbe, Jacetania, and Somontano; it is becoming more popular as a way to celebrate local identity. In the eastern parts of Aragon, close to the border with Catalonia, varieties of the Catalan language are spoken, including in areas like eastern Ribagorza, La Litera, Bajo Cinca, Bajo Aragón-Caspe, Bajo Aragón, and Matarraña. This Catalan-speaking strip in Aragon is often called La Franja.

In 1984, a special document called the Declaration of Mequinenza was signed by leaders from 17 towns in the Catalan-speaking part of Aragon. Because of this, in 1985, the government started teaching the Catalan language as an optional school subject in those areas.

Laws about languages in Aragon were passed in 2009 and 2013 to help manage the different languages spoken there. However, updates to these laws were planned but had not been done by 2019.

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 one of the faster dances in Spain and is popular all over Aragon. The style and music can change depending on the area.

People in Aragon also play special instruments like the 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 trying to make them again.

The Carnival of Bielsa in Huesca has a long history. During the carnival, men wear 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, which was 3.1% of all of Spain's economy. For each person, this value was 30,200 euros, matching the average for Europe.

A long time ago, farming was 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 with its own elected parliament called the Cortes de Aragón, which has 67 seats and meets in the Aljafería, a historic palace in the capital city, Zaragoza. The parliament selects a president for the Aragon Government for a four-year term. Since 2023, the president has been Jorge Azcón from the Partido Popular. Aragon also sends representatives to the national Spanish parliament.

Besides national parties, Aragon has its own political groups, including the Chunta Aragonesista and the Aragonese Party. In a survey, many people in Aragon wanted more self-government, while some preferred the current level of autonomy.

Territorial division

Aragon is divided into three provinces from north to south: Huesca, Zaragoza, and Teruel. These provinces are split into smaller areas called comarcas, and 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

During the Middle Ages, Aragon was an important part of the Crown of Aragon. A representative called a viceroy acted for the crown there from 1517. In 1479, a marriage united Aragon with Castile, but Aragon kept its own laws and customs until changes in 1707.

Media

Aragon has television, radio, and many newspapers.

Television

On April 21, 2006, regional television broadcasts in Aragon officially started with the launch of Aragón TV. The law that established CARTV (Aragon Corporation Radio and Television) was from 1987, but political disputes delayed the project for several years.

During the time Aragon had no public television, several media groups tried to fill the gap. TVE-Aragon produced programs and educational activities. Private groups also had projects, with Antena Aragón being a popular channel from 1998 until 2005. With the push for public television, Antena Aragón merged with RTVA to form ZTV (Zaragoza Television). Aragón TV began in 2006 after a period of test broadcasts.

Radio

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

Sport

Aragon has some exciting sports teams and activities. The most successful football (soccer) club is Real Zaragoza. This club was started in 1932 and has played many seasons in the top league. They have won important trophies, including six Copa del Rey titles and a big European tournament in 1995. Another important team is SD Huesca, which 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 as well.

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 and was first seen in 1499. It became important in the 19th century and was officially approved in 1921. Each part of the coat of arms tells a story from Aragon’s history.

The flag of Aragon was approved in 1984. It shows 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 Aragonese music with modern styles and talks about important values like freedom and justice. 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, who has been the patron of Aragon since the 15th century. This day includes special events and the making of 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.