Vejer de la Frontera
Vejer has been populated since the
Palaeolithic period, and was fortified in the Bronze Age. Remains from the seventh century AD have been
found below its existing walls. In pre-Roman
times it was known as Besar. During the
Roman period the town was renamed Baesippo.
In 711, after the battle of Janda, control of the town passed to the Muslims.
The battle led to the defeat of Don Rodrigo by the Muslims, who were led by
Tarik.
There is a plaque hanging in the town that commemorates the town’s retaking by
Christian troops in the thirteenth century.
For five and a half centuries the town was
called Beshir and remained under Muslim rule. Vestiges of this period remain
such as the door of the castle (from the eleventh century), part of the walls,
and the layout of their streets.
Vejer returned to Christian hands twice. The
first time was in the year 1250 during the reign of Fernando III, "The
Saint". The town was again at the
hands of Arabs in June 1264 after a revolt in which the Mudejar forcibly took
the Castle.
The second and final retaking began in August 1264, with the expelling the
Mudejar, and ended in 1285. That same year, Sancho IV granted the Order of
Santiago the manor Vejer to consolidate the land more quickly, but the Order
never took possession.
During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, Vejer Guzmanes dominated the
town. During this age the people were lead by John Relinque in a confrontation
against the Dukes of Medina Sidonia for control of communal lands called Hazas
de Suerte.
Vejer de la Frontera was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1976.
Business
Traditionally the townspeople made their living from agriculture and livestock,
although in recent times construction trades are becoming viable. New construction of houses, shops and
buildings has been on the rise, due in part to the tourism. The municipality is becoming more popular
because of its beauty and singularity.
Festivals
Carnaval (early February)
Fashion is becoming increasingly popular during the festival. The people enjoy
the entertainment dressed in costumes and masks. A week before the festival the town hosts the
"tortilla" omelet for everyone.
From its founding the town of Vejer de la Frontera has
been know by several different names.
For a time, prior to 1857 it was known as Veger. And from 1857 to 1877 it was called Vejer.
In 2008 it had 12,991 inhabitants. Its superficial extent is 264 km2 and has a
density of 49.42 inhabitants per km2.
Its geographical coordinates are 36 ° 15'N, 5 º 58' W. It has 8 km of coastline, known as the beach
of El Palmar de Vejer, is situated at an altitude of 201 meters and is 54 kilometers
from the provincial capital, Cadiz.
Pilgrimage to the
Shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Oliva (May 7)
The Pilgrimage is the greatest religious holiday of Vejer. Every year on this
day the devotees from Vejer de la Frontera and other neighboring towns go to the
chapel, where they have a daylong picnic that is both cheerful and endearing.
Candela de San Juan
(June 23)
Straw dolls (Juanillo and Juanillo), manufactured by the inhabitants of the
community, are burned during this festival.
Prizes are give to the best shows.
Easter (end of March)
The Easter celebration, in the unique setting of the streets of Vejer, is
intimate and sober. Two brotherhoods, the Our Father Jesus of Nazareth and the Holy Burial participate in
the Holy Thursday procession and in the Good Friday solemnities.
El Toro Embolao (Resurrection Sunday)
Two bulls are released for El Toro Embolao: one at 12:00 p, and one at 4:00
pm. The bulls wander through the streets
from the Plaza to San Miguel
Avenue.
Spring Festival (April)
This festival features competitions of select cattle and horses, four days and
nights without rest, and good music.
Evening of Our Lady of La Oliva (August 10)
On August 10 the image of Our Lady of La Oliva is brought to Vejer, and on
August 24 it is moved to the sanctuary. Then on the 15th day, which
is the feast of the patron saint, there is a procession through the village
streets.
