THE WATER PEOPLE AND THE CHOTO
Játar is perched on the slopes of the mountain range that bears its name, considered the true green lung of the area. A privileged enclave in the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park, this town is a place of lush nature, surrounded by mountains, almond and olive trees, and spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada. Popularly known as ‘the town of water and goats’, its narrow, white, winding streets snake down the hillside, creating an urban layout with a distinctly Andalusian character. The water that justifies its name flows forth in abundance from springs such as the Doña Ana Spring, as well as Nacimiento Gordo, Pililla Spring, and Church Spring.
The 1884 earthquake also left a permanent mark on Játar’s history, as an entire neighborhood vanished. Its reconstruction was overseen by the Associated Press of Barcelona, so in their honor, the area became known as the Catalonia neighborhood, with streets named after Catalan cities and the town square renamed Plaza de Cataluña. This unique story of solidarity lives on in the urban layout, a testament to the generosity of its people.
With a possible origin in the Syrian settlement of the year 740 and roots that might trace back to Roman times, Játar evolved from its Muslim essence to a Moorish one, and finally to a Christian identity. The 16th-century church in the Mudéjar style. It presides over the town center, while the monolith in Primero de Mayo Square includes a commemorative plaque honoring the rural women of Játar in recognition of their social, economic, and cultural contributions. senderos de La Maroma, Puerto de Cómpeta-Cerro Cenacho y el reciente Sendero Micológico permiten explorar la riqueza natural del Parque, conectando con rutas que alcanzan los 2.065 metros de La Maroma.
The main fair is held around August 15th in honor of San Roque and Our Lady of the Rosary, with the October Fair in the fall. On May 3rd, the Day of the Cross takes place, and on June 24th, the pilgrimage of San Juan. The local cuisine, true to its nickname, has in the choto al ajillo is its signature dish, complemented with artisanal cheeses.