Culture and festivals in Punta Umbria
The first dwellers of the area settled down in the mouth of rivers Tinto and Odiel attracted by the richness of natural resources. In the time of the Romans there were several fishing and salting factories. Later on, during the VIII and XIII centuries there is evidence of the settlement of muslims in our coast, particularly in the coast close to Saltés island. Up to the XVII century, Punta Umbria was a frequent target of pirate attacks and the Almenara Tower was built in order to guard the coast from a higher position. This monument is the symbol of identity of our town and the origin of the current town was established around it. At the end of the XIX century and till the mid of the XX century, the mines of the town of Riotinto were exploited by the English people, what brought to Punta Umbría some economic prosperity and the development of infrastructures and communications that give the town a kind of colonial atmosphere. There are still in the town part of the buildings used by the English as health and relaxation centres that show this representative colonial style.
A theatre, cultural contests on a wide range of subjects, music festivals, exhibitions and cultural meetings give Punta Umbría an intense cultural life that lasts all year round. Lately, our town has been equipped with those necessary infrastructures in order to keep an intense cultural life. Among these we highlight the Municipal School of Music, the Beach libraries, the Theatre-Auditorium, the English House-Museum and the Almenara Tower Interpretation Centre. Very close to the town, particularly in the neighbouring town of Moguer we find the Juan Ramón Jiménez House-Museum, birthplace of the universal poet.
Outstanding festivities are the Carnival (in the month of February), Santa Cruz Pilgrimage (in May), or the Feasts of the patron St. Virgin of El Carmen (in July and August), when the fishing village carries in procession the image of the patron St. in the ria of the town.
