Los Ángeles
The small neighbourhood of Los Ángeles is located just 2km south-east of the village of Jimena de la Frontera. The two places are so closely affiliated that Los Ángeles used to be known as Estación de Ferrocarril de Jimena de la Frontera (Jimena train station), since this is where the town’s station is located. From here trains go direct to and from Algeciras and Granada. In 2018, the population of Los Angeles was recorded as being 2,185.
History
The neighbourhood gets its name from the patron saint of Jimena de la Frontera, Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles (Our Lady of the Angels). Its creation dates back to 1890, with the building on its outskirts of Jimena train station, to which life in Los Ángeles has always been closely connected.
Monuments
Since it was only founded at the end of the 19th century, Los Ángeles has only a few culturally significant monuments. The most important is El Santuario de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles (the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Angels) in the village centre, one of the venues for the Jimena International Music Festival.
The artists Andrés López del Castillo (engraver) and Juan Enríquez (painter) were responsible for the altarpiece of the hermitage. After the 19th century, the temple was enlarged and renovated to be used as a monastery by Franciscan monks.
Festivals
La Novena a la Patrona
On the first weekend in September the feria takes place, celebrating the patron saint of Los Ángeles. As well as the usual stalls, competitions and games are played, such as dominoes, boules (pétanque) and chess tournaments. A local futsal (futbol sala, indoor five-a-side football) league is held, as well as bicycle and sack races.
The Milla Urbana Míchigan, one of the most popular running events in the Campo de Gibraltar region, usually happens on the same weekend. On Sunday is the procession of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles.
Flamenco Festival
The Flamenco Festival in Los Ángeles is one of the oldest flamenco events in the Campo de Gibraltar, as well as in the province of Cádiz. The event, which started in 1982, is celebrated during the festivities of the Novena a la Patrona. For nearly 40 years, the most renowned flamenco singers and dancers have come to take part.