In the area of Overa, which includes La Concepción, traditionally irrigated land, citrus growing and a residential landscape shaped by gardens and palms come together. Its cultural heritage includes the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated in La Concepción on 8 December, and the Carnaval de Overa. For active exploration, a cycling route passes through La Concepción; a walking route describes the way there from Huércal-Overa. You can plan your trip around the landscape, a festival date or the type of tour you prefer.

A Landscape of Water and Citrus Growing

The area of Overa, which includes La Concepción, has traditionally been irrigated with water from the Almanzora River and is characterised by citrus growing. 19th-century country residences with gardens and palms also shape the landscape, giving it a stately and picturesque character. For travellers interested in cultural landscapes, these features offer two perspectives: agricultural use and the designed residential landscape. Water and cultivation sit alongside historic homes with their gardens and palms.

The Palacés irrigation channel gives a more precise picture of how water is used. It is 2,940 m long, empties at the Los Ballestas bridge by the Ermita de la Concepción, and irrigates 57 hectares, 7 ares and 74 centiares. Together with traditionally irrigated agriculture, it reveals a tangible measure of this cultural landscape. The Ermita de la Concepción in Overa dates from 1738 and provides a historic landmark in its own right.

Festivals and Community Traditions

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated in La Concepción on 8 December. If you plan to travel for this date, check the programme for the year in question: the exact programme may vary. The Carnaval de Overa is recognised as Andalusian intangible cultural heritage and is considered a festival of general interest to the municipality of Huércal-Overa. It features four forms: Máscaras de camisa, also known as Peloteros, Mascaricas de Curucurú, Osos and Comparsa.

In the run-up to the Carnaval de Overa, lamb and wine are shared communally. The agricultural task known as “desperfolle” is also carried out in La Concepción with relatives, neighbours and friends. Both examples show people coming together in different contexts: as part of the carnival preparations and during agricultural work.

Cycling Route or Walk?

The cycling route “Huercal - Taberno - Albox - Almanzora - Arboleas - Zurgena - La Concepción - Huercal” passes through La Concepción. It continues along a paved track through the Almanzora riverbed as far as El Pilar. Check access and the route’s surface conditions before setting off.

A walking route from Huércal-Overa to La Concepción, uploaded by a user in 2021, follows the Sierrecica path, crosses the Almanzora River and reaches the church. The routes have distinct features: the cycling route is characterised by its paved track and continuation to El Pilar, while the walking route follows the Sierrecica path, crosses the river and reaches the church. Conditions may change; check them before your walk.

Discover more destinations: Almajalejo.

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