# Herrera, Seville

Herrera is a Spanish municipality, located in the province of Seville, Andalusia. As of 2021, the community has a population of 6,573, an area of 53.48 km², and is 120 km from the provincial capital, Seville. It's located at a crossroads in the geographical center of Andalusia, less than an hour from provincial capitals such as Córdoba, Málaga and Seville, and just over an hour from Granada. Its name is derived from the Latin inscriptions on the shield displayed on its flag: Popvls (village), Natus (born), Ignique (fire), and Ferro (iron).

## Patrimony and monuments

Herrera is a Spanish municipality located in the province of Seville, Andalusia. As of 2018, it had a population of 6,484 and covered an area of 53.48 km². The town is situated approximately 120 km from the provincial capital, Seville. Positioned at a crossroads in the geographical center of Andalusia, Herrera is less than an hour's drive from provincial capitals such as Córdoba, Málaga, and Seville, and just over an hour from Granada.
The town's name is derived from its historical association with ironworking, as "Herrera" translates to "blacksmith" in Spanish, originating from the Latin ferraria, meaning "ironwork." This heritage is reflected in the town's coat of arms, which features a blacksmith and bears the Latin motto Populus Natus Igne et Ferro, translating to "A people born of fire and iron."

### Arab Fort of Alhonoz

The meaning of the word Alhonoz is "the last bastion" or "the final frontier." This name first appears in the administrative divisions that Arabs created, and the first boundary marking conducted between Ecija and Estepa. During the rule of the Emirs, which served as defensive bases for armed defense patrols catering for access to Córdoba was guarded at intervals by medium-sized and small castles security for all its length, keeping the roads safe from robberies and other crimes. This is the origin of the Arab fortress Alhonoz which would be in connection with the Road of Al-Rasif and other roads that connected Córdoba, Écija, and Mediterranean coasts.The Road of Al-Rasif and its ramifications, allowing communication with the Strait of Gibraltar and continuous contact with Morocco, was the main base for Emirate relationships with the outside world, as the region had a significant Berber population. When Córdoba lost temporary control over these roads, it was then appreciated what they had meant to her greatness and power. This transient loss of dominance by the Emirate of Córdoba of the roads came with the Spanish-Berber uprising. Omar Ben Hafsun, a native of the region of Iznate, to prevent abuse and persecution by the Arab authorities, renounced his Christian beliefs and converted to Islam.

### Archaeological sites

Remnants of the Muslim and Roman occupations still exist in the area. On the outskirts of the town, towards Estepa, there is Thermal Set Herrera. It is a large Roman villa where several marble pools, space heating furnaces, and seven large-scale mosaics, including one with a pugilistic scene, were uncovered. Large numbers of paintings and amounts of marble are evident. Other important towns are located in the Arroyo del Padrón, Noriega, Palominas, and The Farms of Alonso, the latter of great importance for materials since ancient times. In its vicinity is the river Genil (formerly Singilis), whose nearest peak hosts an Arab fortress. This also explains one of the Roman inscriptions appearing at the end of Herrera that mentions Singiliensis pagus or "Genil payment". In total, within the municipality of the town, there are about ninety archaeological fields, ranging from the Late Bronze Age to the Arab period.

### Church Santiago El Mayor

The church parish was founded in 1657 and remodeled in 1780. Highlighted is its great dome and 18th century Baroque altarpiece, in which is worshiped the image of the holder. Images include that of a crucifixion around 1600, a clothed image of the Virgin of Sorrows of the Grenadina School, Jesus of Nazareth carved by Castillo Lastruci of Seville, and Resurrected Christ by renowned sculptor Francisco Buiza. An image of the Virgin of Hope, a work by Castillo Lastruci, and a Virgin of the Rosary, from the Convent of the Filipensas in Écija, have been acquired by other Brotherhoods.

### Church La Concepción

Construction work of the chapel began around 1732. In 1746 it was covered, blessed, and had Mass officiated in it, and by the end of 1749 had been completed with the auction of a belfry tower that houses two bells. The work of the chapel was financed by donations from the people of Herrera. Located at Plaza Muñoz Olive, in 1936 it was looted, as was the parish. It consists of two naves covered by a barrel vault, lunettes, and copulitas. The images that are venerated here are the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Immaculate Virgin of Carmen, Virgin of the Pillar, Miraculous Virgin, Mary Helper of Christians, Saint Joseph, Saint Rita, and Sweet Name of Jesus, all works in series, and mostly uninteresting, except the Immaculate, dated from the 17th Century, which was brought to Herrera by Don Antonio Tineo Lara. The baptismal font is very simple. At the base, it reads Year 1692. It comes from the parish. The chalice used in this church was donated by the Countess of Santa Teresa, Dona Teresa Cepeda Mayor. At the foot of the altar, under its slab, there is a headstone with the following inscription: "These two graves are of Don Bartolomé García del Campo and Calderon and Ms. Catherine Muñoz Almagro Montero and Noe and their heirs. Dun Mortui Sint. Requiescant In Pace. 1748". Under the little pillar of holy water, there is a grave of Mrs. Isabel Calderon, widow of D. Francisco Lopez Carrillo, who is also buried there: "so that any person who enters, in said church, and steps on my grave, may disperse the holy water. Year of 1770". In 1929 a clock that was purchased by the City from the Valencia Brothers Roses house was attached to the belfry tower. It was paid in quarterly installments of 750 pesetas with a total price of 6,000 pesetas, with Onsolve Fernando Calvo as the first timekeeper. Since the late 19th century within the parish of Santiago there had been another official Herrera timekeeper clock with Bascón Fernando Valdes, who was timekeeper until 1909, continuing in 1910, Rafael Carmona Muñoz to 1929.

### Fireplace of Prograsa

Constructed more recently than most of the remaining historical buildings, the Fireplace of Prograsa remains an integral part of the local community. Built in 1961, it stands over 27 meters tall and was constructed using materials native to the region. The bricks were manufactured in the town's tile factories, and the master builder involved in its construction was a neighbor of Herrera, Francisco Muñoz Moreno, known as 'Curro Gigante.' The fireplace was originally part of an oil mill owned by Ramón Guillén García, who established the factory years earlier.
It was later acquired by the company 'Prograsa' and subsequently transferred to other companies. This factory played a significant role in the local economy, employing more than 200 people. In its final stage of operation, the oil was produced in accordance with Kosher food preparation standards, following the requirements of Jewish Law, with the manufacturing process overseen by a rabbi.
This building symbolizes the industrialization of Herrera and played a crucial role in stabilizing the municipality’s population. Between 1949 and 1960, approximately 3,000 Herrereños emigrated from the area, but after this period, the population stabilized. Today, the area surrounding the fireplace is commonly known as Prograsa, and it features homes, shops, and a park with outdoor activities and entertainment spaces.

## Festivals
### Carnival

This village in the province of Seville celebrates the Carnival. The extensive schedule allows everyone participating to wear their costumes, and Herrereños locals congregate on the sidewalks, balconies, and windows. On the doorstep of the City is installed a makeshift walkway where participants parade. The day ends with a dance attended by most of the inhabitants of Herrera. Also, a week before the parade, wearing costumes typical of this feast, members of "Estudiantina" (troupe of Herrera) perform their songs, many of them featuring humorous anecdotes that occurred in the town throughout the year and touches of national news.

### Day of Andalusia

This day is widely celebrated across Andalusia, with Herrerra being among the ones celebrating. Local residents gather at the Plaza de Andalucía, where approximately 1,700 people come together to partake in the festivities. The celebration features tastings of local culinary products and beverages, along with several musical performances.

### Passion Week

Semana Santa in Herrera brings together many influences. Therein lies its uniqueness, as the procession becomes a biblical representation in the street, as an example, the performances of "Arrest," "The Sacrifice of Isaac," "Crossing Spears," and "Three falls." Formerly represented by "The Descent," staging lost in the Brotherhood involved Ntra. Sra. Servite of Sorrows, Las Marias (which originally belonged to that fraternity) and an image holder Servidad Brotherhood articulating a recumbent Christ.

### San Marcos

On April 25, during San Marcos, the inhabitants of this town move to different spots to enjoy a picnic day. It is a time with gazpacho, tortillas, paella, and culinary delights people will taste. Despite being a Local Party in honour of San Marcos, there is no procession that day with any image alluding to that Saint. "Tie the Devil", a tradition that consists of joining two "jaramagos" symbolizing the expulsion of all evil, is the last act that takes place on this day.

### Pilgrimage in honor of Ntra. Sra. Del Rosario de Fátima

The Pilgrimage in Honor of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima is an annual religious and cultural celebration held on the second Sunday in May in Herrera. This event combines elements of Catholic devotion with local traditions and festive activities.
The day begins with a procession of approximately one hundred decorated floats converging on the Square of Spain and the town square. Here, participants recite the Rosary, followed by a Mass Rociera, which is attended by a majority of the neighborhood's residents. After the mass, the image of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima is placed on a coach to begin its journey to "The Carrizosas" exhibition grounds.
The pilgrimage to "The Carrizosas" involves various modes of transportation:
* Walking pilgrims
* Tractor-towed floats
* Horse-drawn carriages
* Horsemen and horsewomen as escorts
* Private vehicles
An estimated six thousand people gather at the exhibition grounds. The arrival of the Virgin's image is announced by the ringing of bells from a chapel built specifically for this occasion.
At "The Carrizosas", the celebration includes:
* Traditional singing and dancing
* Social gatherings
* Culinary offerings, such as:
** Gazpacho majao (prepared traditionally)
** Picadillo
** Paella
** Grilled meats
This pilgrimage is one of the most popular events for tourists, alongside Holy Week (Semana Santa) and the local fair.

### Corpus Christi

The Feast of Corpus Christi is held in June. It passes through Roldan Street, decorated for the occasion with Catholic paintings.

### Verbena de San Juan

Held on the penultimate weekend of June (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) trying to match, if possible, the day of San Juan with any of these. The "Velá de San Juan" was formerly held in the town square with a stand-alone booth, plus several attractions. Public and private booths welcome Herrera people enjoying their "Velá de San Juan". Carriages, horses, attractions, and performances in the Booth Hall are present.

### Fair of Herrera

The end of the Fair is always the second Sunday of August. The Flamenco Festival poster "Pedro de la Timotea" announces the first day of the fair, leading figures of singing and dancing come together in this town. Considered by all who have had the opportunity to visit, to which come herrereños who had to emigrate and do not want to miss the Fair in their town. Municipal Park, a venue that has trees, gardens, and streets of Albero, invites the showcasing of any event. Over sixty booths, between private and public, are installed to hold the Fair of Herrera. A handmade gazpacho, typical tapas, and a prelude to a meal provide the audience with the fair. They say for those who live it more intensely that the atmosphere is different: ribbon races on horseback, gathering, preparing a meal: for example a gazpacho made by hand with local produce including oil olive, visit booths where you share wine, carefree disregard of the costumes for the occasion, after eating, singing and dancing, a date with sports, Football Trophy "Villa de Herrera" leads to the Municipal Stadium to support a team.
There is a dressage show held in a room adjacent to the fair. Mackerel, horse riders, and cars decorated for the occasion walking down Main Street to the fairgrounds, giving more brilliance to the fair during noon. At night, the temperature is suitable for walks, to buy from the stalls that have been placed for this occasion, to wander in the various attractions, all before returning to delve into the magic of the Herrera Fair. The first action for both herrereños and people coming from surrounding villages is to come to the Booth Hall. Young herrereños are proud of their Fair, the booth that the Youth Delegation stood up for them, so you can share your leisure time between this booth and the Municipal, get up early the next morning the two booths become a hive of people coming from all over after dinner, and many hours of dancing, herrereños traveling to one of the bars where you can have a chocolate bar accompanied by a wheel "jeringos" to regain strength. Finally, on Sunday, as in all the fairs, a set of fireworks lights up the herrereño sky announcing the end of it.

### Medieval Market

The old town (Barribalto) is the stage for a return to the past where Herrereños participate, either by incorporating their business or their desire to have fun during one of the weekends in the October Herrera Medieval Market. Around the Parish of Santiago El Mayor and its square, a large number of taverns, inns and populate craft stalls with their products are present. Among the activities that have been conducted over the years and can be found in the Medieval Market include exhibitions of handicrafts made by local artisans, parades, tasting concoctions, crafts workshops, displays of fireworks, juggling, theater, and belly dancing as well as activities for children, such as storytelling and face painting.

## Sports

The sports associations of Herrera include the following:
* Soccer: C.D.F. Herrera
* Basketball: C.D. Baloncesto Herrera
* Cycling: Club Cicloturista Herrera y Club MTB ``Saltalindes´´
* Archery and Hunting: Club Deportivo de Tiro y Caza con Arco de Herrera
* Track and field: Club Atletismo Herrera
* Triathlon: C.D. Triatlón Herrera

## Food

Local foods include Morcilla, Salmorejo, country salmoreja (with bread, oil, garlic, vinegar, eggs, pepper, and tuna), Migas, Asparagus stew or with scrambled eggs, and olla con pringá. Specialty baked goods include madeleines, ochió, Tortas de aceite, brazo de gitano, pasteles de aljolí, or bollos de leche.