Juan de la mata terreforte: Foto de Juan de Mata Terreforte
PR Flag Story
|
Juan de Mata Terreforte, an exiled veteran of «El Grito
The new flag, which consisted of five equal horizontal
In 1952, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico adopted the same
In 1995, the government of Puerto Rico issued a regulation
Therefore, it is not uncommon to see the flag of Puerto Rico
|
Nuestra bandera es navideña — Primera Hora
Nota de archivo: esta historia fue publicada hace más de 15 años.
Presentado por
PUBLICIDAD
La historia de nuestra bandera monoestrellada es interesantísima.
Tiene de todo en exceso: aventura, suspenso, intrigas, pasiones. Es una bandera que ha vivido un verdadero vía crucis hasta convertirse en el máximo símbolo de identidad de todos los puertorriqueños en cualquier rincón del planeta. Esta historia es tan extensa que hay que presentarla por capítulos. Usted puede acceder a través de primerahora.com a la columna (y cápsula de vídeo) que publicamos hace unos meses titulada “La chispa que creó nuestra bandera”, ahí compartimos el instante en que nació: el momento en que el manatieño Antonio Vélez Alvarado (utilizaba el seudónimo de Yuri) la visualizó, diseñó y confeccionó en papel de seda en su apartamento de Nueva York el 11 de junio de 1892 (hace 116 años). Hoy nos concentraremos en el momento en que se seleccionó y adoptó como la bandera nacional de Puerto Rico.
Como todas las naciones del mundo, los puertorriqueños deseaban una bandera digna que los representara e identificara. Era un asunto que estaba en la mente de muchos. Ese sueño se materializó en las Navidades de 1895.
Tres años y medio después de su nacimiento en el apartamento de Antonio, la bandera hizo su más importante debut. Fue presentada en sociedad.
Una fría noche navideña en la ciudad de Nueva York se llevó a cabo una reunión de la Sección de Puerto Rico del Partido Revolucionario Cubano. Por décadas, los cubanos y los boricuas habían estado muy unidos en la lucha de independencia de ambos países. Los puertorriqueños que formaban esta “sección” luchaban mano a mano con los cubanos del partido revolucionario para diseñar planes y estrategias de lucha. Dos días antes de la Nochebuena del 1895, exactamente un 22 de diciembre, un grupo de 59 puertorriqueños miembros de esta organización política se reunieron en el edificio Chimmey Hall de la ciudad de Nueva York para seleccionar y adoptar la bandera creada por Antonio Vélez Alvarado como la nueva bandera nacional de Puerto Rico.
Se registró en sus libros que en esa reunión se presentó la alternativa de utilizar y aprobar la que se conoce como la bandera de Lares, pero fue rechazada por los delegados.
La mayoría deseaba un emblema nuevo. De repente, el señor Juan de Mata Terreforte se levantó y ondeó la bandera monoestrellada (de 5 pulgadas) que había creado hacía unos pocos años antes Antonio Vélez Alvarado, y se formó tremenda algarabía entre los asistentes. Nuestra rica historia narra que este delegado mostró a toda la asamblea la bandera que hoy es tan nuestra, “de derecha a izquierda, mientras que el público, puesto de pie, la aplaudía y la aclamaba…”. Mi hermano, el próximo lunes 22 se cumplen 113 años de esa histórica reunión. Ninguno de esos patriotas jamás tuvo conciencia en ese instante de que le estaban dando a todo un pueblo el mejor regalo de Navidad: su bandera.
PUBLICIDAD
Regístrate para recibir a tu email nuestro periódico en su versión digital.
Al suscribirte aceptas nuestros Términos y Política de privacidad. Pronto comenzarás a recibir nuestro newsletter.
PUBLICIDAD
La Mata, Spain: real estate, beach, infrastructure, attractions
Quiet and cozy area of La Mata, or Torrelamata (La Mata o Torrelamata), is located in the urban district of Torrevieja.
It is bordered to the north by the municipality of Guardamar del Segura and to the west by the Natural Park of Lagunas de la Mata and Torrevieja (Parque natural de las Lagunas La Mata y Torrevieja). If we talk about neighboring urbanizations, then in the north it will be the urbanization of Rascas-Sierra Toledana (Urbanización Rascasa Sierra Toledana), and in the south — the urbanization of Parque Mar (Urbanización Parque Mar). nine0003
According to the National Institute of Statistics — INE, as of January 1, 2019, the number of inhabitants in La Mata was 1262 inhabitants, which is 28 more than in 2018.
La Mata: the history of the area
The emergence of the La Mata area is associated with the extraction of salt, which was carried out over the centuries in the lagoon of the same name, while the population here was small and limited to a few inhabitants.
In addition to the workers, among them were the military, who led the extraction and conducted surveillance at the pier and from the nearby Torre del Moro or Cabo Cervera (Torre del Moro or del Cabo Cervera) — a coastal watchtower erected on a hill near Cape Cervera in Torrevieja. nine0003
In 1759, the city council of Orihuela transferred the exploitation of the salt deposits of the La Mata lagoon to the Spanish crown, and this marked the beginning of an organized exploitation, whereas previously mining was seasonal. Since until 1802 the area was the center of salt mining, he had his own representative office for justice and the mayor’s office, which were later transferred to Torrevieja.
In 1829, the area of La Mata was badly damaged by an earthquake, along with the whole of Torrevieja and other nearby cities. State assistance resulted in the reconstruction of surviving buildings and the construction of 24 new houses. Since 2010, the regional office of the mayor’s office of Torrevieja has been located in La Mata.
nine0003
La Mata Beach
La Mata Beach (Playa de la Mata) is a 2300 meters long beach with an average width of just over 40 meters. It is one of the most spacious in Torrevieja and is located in the urban area of Torrelamata. The beach has a wide promenade along the coast line, where there is all the necessary modern infrastructure: foot fountains, storage rooms, toilets, first-aid posts, lifeguard towers, children’s and sports grounds, wooden paths along the beach and equipped slopes for the disabled. nine0021 To hide from the scorching sun, it is possible to rent sunbeds and umbrellas, and for lovers of active pastime on the beach there is a rental of equipment for water sports.
There are cafes and chiringuitos on the beach where you can have a light snack and enjoy refreshing drinks. For more sophisticated cuisine, head to the Vela Beach restaurant, located right on the seafront, or the Queen
Mississippi restaurant, which has an unusual design in the shape of a boat and is located between the dunes.
nine0003
Chiringuito Juanito
Address: Av. de los españoles, n 1, 03188 Torrevieja, Alicante, Spain
Phone: +34 602 677 814
Website: facebook.com
Restaurante Vela Beach La Mata
Address: Calle Geraneos, 031 Local A8 La Mata, Alicante, Spain
Phone: +34 966 922 455
Website: velabeachrestaurante.com
Restaurante Queen Mississippi
Address: CalleMorera, s/n, 03188 La Mata, Alicante, Spain
Phone: +34 649 633 369
Website: restaurantequeenmississippi.com
Directly behind La Mata Beach is a large sand dune that forms the Parque del Molino del Agua, great for pleasant and rewarding walks. In general, La Mata beach is a favorite among vacationers who value personal space and peace. Due to its location away from the city center and the hustle and bustle, it is a comfortable place, ideal for a relaxing holiday. nine0003
Since La Mata is a fairly long and open beach, not protected by mountains or rocks, and without artificial breakwaters, strong waves often occur on it.
Usually, the sea looks calmer before lunch, but in the afternoon the waves can intensify. Also, a lot depends on the season and weather conditions, so these factors should always be taken into account on vacation. However, this also has its advantages: La Mata beach is popular among windsurfers. nine0003
La Mata Beach has a particular focus on safety and is therefore divided into 3 areas:
- La Mata Pueblo with 3 observation towers, 3 lifeguards and a first aid station.
- Avenida de los Europaos with 4 observation towers, 5 lifeguards and a first aid station.
- Kiosco El Dulce with 4 watchtowers, 5 lifeguards and a first aid station.
The beach of La Mata has at different times been awarded various awards for its characteristics and livability, among them:
- Qualitur,
- ISO 14000 de Medio Ambiente,
- ISO 9000 de Calidad y Ecoplayas
- Blue Flag.
La Mata beach can be reached by public transport, there is a bus stop (LINE A).
La Mata: natural park and lagoons
Pink salt lagoons of La Mata and Torrevieja (Las Lagunas de la Mata y Torrevieja)
The pink lagoon is often called the Dead Sea of Spain — Mar Muerto due to the high concentration of salt, a person can calmly stay on its waters. However, do not forget that swimming in them is completely prohibited. But this does not mean that you need to give up walking with picturesque views and healing air saturated with minerals. nine0003
To get to know the natural parks better, it is recommended to go to the Visitor Center of the Natural Park of Lagunas de la Mata and Torrevieja (Centro de Visitantes del Parque Natural de las Lagunas de la Mata y Torrevieja), where you can get a map with routes and guides to these places.
There is a picnic area on the way to the lagoons. This area is surrounded by tall pine trees, which allows you to enjoy a snack while breathing in the fragrant fresh air. Near the picnic tables, you can see the observation towers installed to watch the birds living in the lagoon. Of course, wild flamingos, which have been living in these parts for centuries, deserve special attention. nine0003
In June 2020, more than 600 chicks of these beautiful birds hatched in the post-coronavirus period were counted in the lagoons of La Mata and Torrevieja. More than 10 years have passed since such a «baby boom» was observed in the local natural environment.
Another interesting bird to see in La Mata is the robin. This small bird pleases the eye with its colorful plumage. Among mammals, sociable squirrels should be noted, which will certainly please the smallest visitors to the natural park. These funny rodents can be seen everywhere on tree trunks. They deftly climb the tops of trees, but at the same time they are often not averse to feasting on the treats offered by visitors.
nine0021 It must be taken into account that the areas that are outside the signs are completely prohibited for walking. Therefore, in order to continue to enjoy this unusual nature, you need to respect and protect its flora and fauna.
La Mata: Attractions
Salt lakes with unique properties and a spacious beach are, of course, the main natural attractions of the La Mata area. If we talk about others, it is worth highlighting:
- Encarnación Puchol Ancient Square (Plaza de Encarnación Puchol), near the beach, in the central part of La Mata. This square has entertainment for children, as well as celebrations and fiestas beloved by the Spaniards. There are also many shops, bars and restaurants nearby; nine0059
- Catholic Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario (Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Rosario), located on the same square: Plaza de Encarnación Puchol, 8, 03188 La Mata, Alicante, Spain;
- The Salt Mining Monument — Embarcadero de la Sal — is also located in the center.
La Mata also gave its name to a special white wine made from Merseguera grapes. Merseguera is a Spanish white wine grape variety found in Alicante, Jumilla and Valencia. In the Community of Valencia it also goes by the names exquitsagos and verdosilla. nine0003
Grapes have the following characteristics:
- ripens late;
- common in areas with low rainfall;
- The vine adapts very well to different types of soil;
- Ripe clusters are distinguished by medium-sized yellowish-green berries.
In the characteristics of wines obtained from this grape variety, its pale tone, in some cases of a straw shade, is distinguished.
A very good wine obtained in cold regions: with a light aroma and low acidity. In warmer places, wines may have a higher alcohol content. nine0003
The vineyards of this variety survived their century, as they managed not to suffer from the massive disease and plant death that overtook the region’s crops in the 19th century.
However, within the natural park, only about 75 hectares have survived today, since most of the existing areas were uprooted for the construction of urbanizations.
- Read more about the wines of Alicante in our article
La Mata: real estate and infrastructure bars and restaurants. The proximity of a magnificent beach and unique salt lakes is another undeniable advantage. A huge plus of La Mata is that the municipality is “stretched” along the coastline, which means that wherever you live, the sea will always be within walking distance — a maximum of the fifth or sixth line from the beach. nine0003
On Wednesdays from 8 am to 2 pm, a small local market, the Mercadillo de La Mata, opens in La Mata. Merchants from all over the area set up their tents where you can buy greens, vegetables and fruits, jamon and deli meats, pastries and cheeses, shoes, clothes and accessories, as well as other essential goods. To find this market, you need to head towards La Lecha Street (CallelaLecha) and the lanes adjacent to it.
So how much does it cost to buy a property in this wonderful place? Let’s turn to the idealista portal. As of November 2020, the average cost of housing in La Mata was 1674 € / m2. Looking at the districts, the situation is as follows:
- Cañada del Molino 2101 €/m2.
- Gaspar Perello 1503 €/m2.
- Los Europeos 1661 €/m2.
At the same time, an apartment with one bedroom and an area of 32 m2 can be purchased from 39,000€, with two or three — from 52,000-57,000€. Housing in a duplex with one bedroom will cost from 69,000 €, with two — from 85,000 €, with three — from 90,000 €. Bungalow with three bedrooms and sea views — from 90,000 €.
If you want to get acquainted with the offers in this and other areas, you can find them in our real estate catalog, or contact the specialists of our company. nine0003
Like the article? Share with your friends!
Share:
beach, sea, attractions, how to get there
La Mata or Torre La Mata is a small town (municipality) and resort, considered a suburb of Torrevieja.
La Mata is located east along the coast of Torrevieja, surrounded by a natural park, moving dunes and a salt lake. From the historical center of Torrevieja to La Mata, approximately 6.5 kilometers. From the west along the coast, La Mata borders the urbanization of Cabo Cervera. nine0003
Despite its small size, La Mata is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Torrevieja area. It is less lively here than in the center of Torrevieja, more quiet and peaceful. The area is clean and well-groomed, there are several significant attractions, a natural park with dunes, green areas for walking, playgrounds, supermarkets, small shops, cafes and restaurants.
In addition to all of the above, La Mata attracts many tourists, especially with its magnificent, spacious beach. The longest and, in our opinion, the best sandy beach in the Torrevieja area. nine0003
Beach and sea La Mata
The beach of the same name La Mata (Playa de la Mata) stretches for 1930 meters in length and has a width of 47 meters.
Almost two kilometers of the beach strip are completely covered with fine and soft light yellow sand.
The beach is cleaned daily, the sand is leveled. Along the line of the sea, in some places there is natural debris brought ashore by the sea wave, but it does not interfere.
The water in the sea is clean and transparent, the entrance is gentle, the bottom is sandy. nine0003
Since La Mata is a long and open beach, it is not protected by mountainous terrain and rocks, and there are no breakwaters, there are often waves on the beach. In the first half of the day, the sea is calmer, in the afternoon waves rise more often. But here, it all depends on the weather, time at time is not necessary.
The beach has all the necessary beach infrastructure: urns, dry closets, lockers, foot showers, medical stations and rescue towers, small children’s and sports grounds, wooden decks are equipped, facilities for people with disabilities, you can play beach football or volleyball.
nine0003
There is practically no natural shade on the beach. Sun loungers, parasols and chairs can be rented for shelter from the sun. You can also rent water entertainment facilities.
Directly on the sandy beach there are several cafes where you can drink soft drinks and have a snack.
Playa de la Mata is a great place for families with children. At the height of the holiday season, La Mata becomes a busy tourist destination, both Spaniards and guests of this beautiful sunny country come here to relax. nine0003
La Mata is also popular with windsurfers and divers.
In case anyone is interested, we have an overview of all the beaches of Torrevieja, from the smallest and quietest bays to the central sandy beaches.
Promenade and natural park in La Mata
A long pedestrian promenade runs along the entire beach.
On the west side of the beach is a beautiful natural park (Parque del Molino del Agua).
This park is considered a nature reserve. The park has a reservoir, equipped places for walking in the shade of coniferous trees. A very beautiful place. nine0003
Along the beach, between small dunes, there is a wooden promenade. The embankment originates from the urbanization of Cabo Cervera and stretches to the very center of La Mata.
In the center of La Mata, on the promenade, there are places to relax, small cafes and restaurants where you can sit and enjoy the beach. As well as guest houses and apartments. This is the busiest part of the beach and the La Mata area itself.
Behind La Mata, on the east side of the coast, there is a semi-wild beach and a constantly moving ecosystem — the dunes of Guardamar del Segura. There are also wooden walkways among the dunes. But it’s better not to walk along the dunes themselves, you shouldn’t disturb such a unique ecosystem.
La Mata sights
La Mata cannot boast of sights.
Of the few :
— Encarnacion Puchol central square (Plaza de Encarnación Puchol), located near the beach in the heart of the area. There are attractions for children on the square, festivities and holidays are held, and an abundance of cafes and restaurants are concentrated around;
— Catholic Church Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Rosario located in the square;
— historical monument Embarkadero de la sal , also located near the square;
— small Plaza Gaspar Perelló (Plaza Gaspar Perelló).
Not far from La Mata there is another unique natural attraction — a green (emerald) lagoon, one of the two famous lakes of Torrevieja — the salt lake Salada de la Mata (Salada de la Mata).
Streets and market in La Mata
The area of La Mata is quite small and easy to get around on foot. There are small green squares with children’s swings, «stone» streets, on which: several grocery supermarkets, a small shopping center, other shops and souvenir shops, small and cozy cafes and restaurants.
nine0003
Every Wednesday morning, in the eastern part of the city, there is a street market (Mercadillo de La Mata). Merchants from all over the area set up tents right on the streets. Here are fruits and vegetables, cheeses and sausages, clothes and shoes, bags and other goods. Landmark — La Lecha Street (Calle la Lecha) and other nearby streets.
Where to stay in La Mata
La Mata is a small area, so housing here is mostly apartments and guest houses. nine0003
Guest house Alba . You can walk to the beach in just 1 minute. It offers sea-view rooms with air conditioning and a balcony, as well as a restaurant and a café-bar.
3-star Aparthotel Lloyds Beach Club . You can walk to the beach in 1 minute. There are 3 double/single rooms and 25 suites. The windows and balconies overlook the Mediterranean Sea.
Sunrise Apartments . You can walk to the beach in 1 minute.
It offers a balcony with sea views and free Wi-Fi. The apartments have a flat-screen TV, a kitchen with a fridge, microwave, stove and coffee machine. Amenities include a terrace. nine0003
Apartment La Mata . You can walk to the beach in 4 minutes. The apartments have a seasonal outdoor pool and a sun terrace. Free Wi-Fi is available. The kitchen is equipped with a microwave, toaster, fridge, stove and kettle.
Duplex Apartment Adosado Los Suecos is located in La Mata, 1.3 km. from the beach. Pets are allowed. It features a terrace and an outdoor pool. Free private parking is available on site and you can play tennis. nine0003
As well as La Mata Beach Apartment and Sole Bello Aparthotel .
All accommodation facilities in the La Mata area, from budget to luxury, you can view and book here.
How to get from the center of Torrevieja to La Mata
You can get from Torrevieja to La Mata by city bus, line A, the fare is 1.