Moaña

Moaña
Municipality

Flag
Coat of arms

Location of Moaña
Moaña

Location in Spain

Coordinates: 42°17′N 8°45′W / 42.283°N 8.750°W / 42.283; -8.750Coordinates: 42°17′N 8°45′W / 42.283°N 8.750°W / 42.283; -8.750
Country  Spain
Autonomous community  Galicia
Province Pontevedra
Comarca O Morrazo (region)
Founded 1836
Government
 • Alcalde Xosé M. Millán Otero (BNG)
Area
 • Total 31.5 km2 (12.2 sq mi)
Population (2008)
 • Total 18,709
 • Density 590/km2 (1,500/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Moañés, -esa
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 36950
Website www.concellodemoana.org

Moaña is a municipality of 18,709 inhabitants located in Galicia, Spain in the province of Pontevedra. It is one of the five municipalities with Bueu, Cangas do Morrazo, Marin and Vilaboa that forms the peninsula of O Morrazo. This peninsula separates the Ria of Vigo from the Ria of Pontevedra. The coast of Moaña has several beaches and the area combines tourism with traditional seafood production. The surrounding sea contains sea farms where mussels, oysters and other species are cultivated and it is an idyllic place for practicing sea sports activities. The Strait of Rande, where the Rande Bridge now connects Moaña with the municipality of Redondela, was the scene of the Battle of Vigo Bay (or Battle of Rande). Moaña has developed a significant cultural life with the highlights of this being the Interceltic Festival of Morrazo, the Week of Carnival and numerous other local feasts. Social movements were relevant in Moaña in the first half of the 20th century where the presence of the CNT (National Confederation of Labour) was significant. In fact, the current local pub/bar for retired people was the head office of this syndicate in Moaña during the Second Spanish Republic.

History

The first reports of human occupation of these lands belong to the Acheulean period (75,000 BC). In the parishes of Domaio, O Carme, Meira and Tiran are also found flint tools and the remains of settlements dating from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages. Elements of the Beaker culture outside funeral environments were documented for the first time in Galicia in the area of A Fontela (Domaio). Tools and weapons of copper and bronze were found in Meira, Domaio and Tiran, where some relevant petroglyphs can be visited.The Castro culture is widely represented in the municipality with strong indications of romanization.

In the Middle Age, Moaña was under the jurisdicktion of the bishop of Iria Flavia and Santiago de Compostela. In the 7th century Norman attacks caused a loss of population throughout the Morrazo, but from the 12th century, took place a new resurgence of the population, after Archbishop Diego Gelmírez established a plan to defend the coast. From these dates are the churches of San Martino and San Xoán of Tiran. From the 14th century, families like the Meira, the Valadares or Soutomaior took control of the town. Noteworthy is the episode of the destruction of Meira Tower during the Irmandiño Wars (1467–1469).

The introduction of maize in the 17th century, changed local economy. Then 90% of arable land is utilized for the cultivation of this plant. As consequence, there is a raising of water mills along the rivers in the district. Fishing has been a key activity in the local economy during all that time. The arrival of entrepreneurs from Catalonia in the 17th century established the fish canning industry, generating a population and economic growth quite remarkable.

In 1702 comes the Battle of Rande where British and Netherland forces take and plunder Domaio, Meira and Tiran. One hundred years later (1809) battles are fought in this land against the French invaders.

Climate

Moaña has a mild oceanic climate. Temperatures are not extreme, having an annual average of 15 °C. Precipitation ranges between 1300 and 1500 mm per year.

Economy

Traditional shipyard

The economy of Moaña has always been related to the sea. This relationship covers all the economic sectors. The activities of the primary sector complement industrial and services industries, which are also based on the maritime activities. The primary sector (mainly fishing) contains 24.4% of the working population (2006 data). 39% of the working population work within the secondary sector. This sector's main activities are building, shipyard activities and the canning of seafood. The services sector has 37% of the working population with shopping and tourism being the main activities. Tourism amenities within the area include a golf camp and three pleasure harbors.

Hydrology

Beaches

The whole south limit of Moaña is coast. There are a series of rocky cliffs and beaches from the strait of Rande to the municipality of Cangas. Cliffs are short of height and there are some small beaches at their bottom. Large beaches are formed in the inlets. The most popular are:

A Borna Beach.

Rivers

There are several rivers and loads of streams, highlighting:

Leisure, monuments and places of interest

Sports

Rowing is one of the most popular sports. There are two active rowing clubs, S.D. Samertolameu (Meira) and S.D. Tirán, who compete in the highest category. In 1960, a crew made up of the best rowers from both clubs, under the name of Moaña, won the Rowing Championship of Spain. After that, the S.D. Tirán won three more times this competition in 1961, 1996 and 1997.

Sister cities

Parishes

Celebrities

Picture gallery

See also

External links

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Saturday, March 19, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.