La Concepción: Routes, Landscape and Carnaval de Overa

La Concepción is part of the Overa area. Irrigation from the Almanzora and citrus growing shape the landscape; routes, historic residences and local festival traditions offer further inspiration for planning your trip. It is worth distinguishing between the cycling and walking routes: the cycling route passes through La Concepción and continues to El Pilar, while the walking route describes a path from Huércal-Overa to the village and its church. Local culture is also reflected in its building history, festival days and community traditions.

Landscape and irrigation

The Overa area, which includes La Concepción, has traditionally been irrigated with water from the Almanzora River and is known for citrus growing. The landscape features these agricultural connections alongside country residences dating from the 19th century. Their gardens and palm trees give the area a distinguished, picturesque character. This brings out different aspects of the area: the use of water and a historic residential landscape shaped by gardens and palm trees.

One specific feature of the irrigation landscape is the Palacés canal. It is 2,940 m long and flows into the river at the Los Ballestas bridge, near the Ermita de la Concepción. The canal irrigates 57 hectares, 7 ares and 74 centiares. The length of the canal and the irrigated area describe two different measurements: the extent of the canal and the land it supplies.

Distinguishing between the cycling and walking routes

For cycling, the route “Huercal - Taberno - Albox - Almanzora - Arboleas - Zurgena - La Concepción - Huercal” is relevant. It passes through La Concepción and follows a paved track through the Almanzora riverbed to El Pilar. The village is therefore part of a longer connection that continues as far as El Pilar. Check the surface conditions and access before setting out.

A walking route from Huércal-Overa to La Concepción follows the Sierrecica path, crosses the Almanzora and reaches the church. A user-submitted route published in 2021 describes this itinerary. Since trail conditions can change, check them before setting out. The distinction is useful for planning: the cycling route passes through La Concepción and continues to El Pilar, while the walking route gives La Concepción as its destination.

Building history and local festival traditions

The Ermita de la Purísima Concepción was built at Campico de Nubla on the right bank of the Almanzora and completed in 1738. The festival calendar also offers a specific cultural connection: the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated in La Concepción on 8 December. The date recurs every year; the specific programme may vary.

Carnaval de Overa is recognised as an intangible cultural heritage of Andalusia and is considered a festival of general interest by the municipality of Huércal-Overa. It has four forms: Máscaras de camisa, also known as Peloteros, Mascaricas de Curucurú, Osos and Comparsa. Its recognition as intangible cultural heritage applies to Andalusia; its status as a festival of general interest is specifically attributed to the municipality of Huércal-Overa. Before the carnival, people gather to eat lamb and drink wine.

Community traditions are also reflected in the agricultural work known as “desperfolle”, which is carried out with relatives, neighbours and friends. The local history guide “Nubla. La ermita de la Concepción-Overa” explores the history, traditions, customs and community life of La Concepción. It includes more than 1,500 family photographs, including some that are over 100 years old.

Discover more destinations: Almajalejo

For the main travel overview: Huércal-Overa.