Benifaraig, Valencia

Benifaraig is a pedania of the city of Valencia (Spain), belonging to the district of Poblados del Norte. It is bordered on the west by Godella, on the east by Alfara del Patriarca, on the north by Moncada and on the south by Borbotó and Carpesa. Its census population in 2022 was 993 inhabitants. It was an independent municipality until 1900, when it became a pedania of the city of Valencia.

Toponymy

The toponym Benifaraig is clearly Arabic. While ''beni'' can be understood as (''banī'') "sons (of)" or (''ibn'') "son (of)," the etymology of ''faraig'' is uncertain. It is probable that it derives from (''Faraǧ''), a proper name; understanding then the toponym as " lace ofthe sons of Fara".^(es) Asín Palacios, Miguel (1940). ''Contribución a la toponimia árabe de España''. Madrid: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas. p. 89. According to Gaspar Escolano it would derive from ''Abenalfarache'', name of a bailiff of Valencia during the 11th century, of Moroccan lineage, specifically from Aduar Uled Farache. According to Alcover, however, it would come from Arabic ''ḥara'' ("prohibition, anger or enchantment").Pedro Llopis; Carmen Ciurana; Ana Espinosa; Carlos Sáiz (1987). "Introducción histórica". In Mercedes Alcañiz Moscardó (ed.). ''Pobles del Nord'' (in valenciano and spanish) (1ª ed.). Valencia: Ajuntament de València. p. 38.

History

The alquería de Benifaraig was founded between 1092 and 1102. James I donated it to in 1241 after conquering it. In 1251, Pérez d'Arenós ceded the place, together with Masarrochos, to the Knights Templar, in exchange for Albentosa (Teruel). When the Templar was extinguished, the properties passed to the Order of Montesa. The population of the place was about 80 people in 1510, and almost doubled in the early 1600s, although it decreased later. Pascual Madoz gave the following description in 1849:

Its autonomy ended on 18 August 1900, when it was annexed to the city of Valencia.

Demography

Benifaraig, located on the northern boundary of the municipality, has slightly increased its population in the last century, although with large ups and downs. Throughout the first decade of the 21st century the population increased at a steady pace, although this increase slowed and began to reverse during the 2010s.

Politics

Benifaraig depends on the city council of Valencia in consideration of neighborhood of the district of Poblados del Norte (in Valencian ). However, given its status as a rural settlement, it has, in accordance with the relevant state and autonomous community laws, an (in English neighborhood mayor) who is responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of the neighborhood and civic relations, signing administrative reports and submitting proposals, suggestions, complaints and claims from neighbors to the city council. The new neighborhood mayor's office building was built in 1986.

Municipal elections

Benifaraig registered a total of 589 votes for the 2019 municipal elections, of which 582 went to the City Council candidacies. These votes were distributed as follows:

Public services

Benifaraig has an auxiliary medical office, as well as an Activities Center for the elderly, which offers socio-cultural activities, physical maintenance and various workshops and courses. It also has a parish cemetery and a park.

Patrimony

* Church of Santa María Magdalena: It was built at the beginning of the 17th century over the chapel of the old palace of the lord, of which no vestiges remain. The inscription "" can be read on its façade. The facade is of brick, like the bell tower, of three bodies. It has a single nave with chapels in the buttresses and is covered by a barrel vault.
* : It is integrated in the town of Benifaraig although it belongs to the municipality of Alfara del Patriarca. It is one of the few remaining fortified farmhouses in the region of La Huerta. Although the facade is in relatively good condition, the abandonment of the farm is causing it to deteriorate rapidly.

Culture

Benifaraig dedicates its festivities to Mary Magdalene and (in English Most Holy True Christ) with a series of activities that are held from 22 July to 6 August. In addition, it has a headquarters of the , where culturization activities, plastic and corporal expression and occupational training, among others, are carried out. It also has since 2011 with the , that belongs to the cultural association and integrates the School of Music as well as its Music Band. This association carries out numerous cultural activities, as well as concerts and musical events.^(es) {{cite web, url=http://www.fsmcv.org/page.asp?op1=30&op2=6&offset=4, title=Copia archivada, access-date=15 May 2013, archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304113932/http://www.fsmcv.org/page.asp?op1=30&op2=6&offset=4, archive-date=4 March 2016

References

External links

Valencia City Council

Towns in Spain
Geography of Valencia