Purchena

Purchena
Purchena
Municipality
	UTC+2 (CEST)

Purchena is a small town in

Almanzora River

Valley, surrounded by woods which ascend towards the mountains, an environment which contrasts with the rest of the municipalities of the area which are set in much more arid surroundings.

History

Purchena has been populated since the

Catholic Monarchs' empire with Baza, Guadix and Almería

.

The current town took shape during the 18th and 19th centuries around the Constitution and Larga Squares.

Moorish Games of Aben Humeya

The Moorish Games are a historical event that Aben Humeya, King of the Moorish people, first celebrated in Purchena in 1569.

During the Games, several cultural events, sporting activities and other activities are celebrated, such as: performances of historical events (staged by young people from Purchena in the same style as it was 400 years ago), ancient Andalusian music, Arabian cooking, traditional dances and sports such as Moorish-Style wrestling, Middle League Race, hop, step and jump, and archery.

All of these competitions admit the participation of athletes from all over the world who compete to win the prize and the laurel crown. Aben Humeya Moorish Games have been declared of National Tourist Interest by the Council of Tourism and Sport of the Andalusian Government.