ABOUT
Albudeite is an arabic term meaning "the place that lacks water" since the River Mula, which passes through the town, flows far from abundantly at this point. Situated in the lands along the River Mula, this small town is to be found in a landscape of gulleys and dry river beds which provide a sharp contrast to the oasis formed by the lush vegetable and fruit-growing areas of its neighbours.
This area was very probably founded by the Moors who built a castle here, from which they could control a large part of the meadowland along the River Mula, as well as the main communication route from this area to that of the also irrigated River Segura lands. The remains of this fortress are semi-hidden beneath the present-day houses, but even today some walls, which have been re-used as foundations for the newer buildings, are visible and have been declared of artistic and historical interest.
HERITAGE
The construction of the parish church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (Our Lady of the Remedies) began in the 16th century, on top of the foundations of an old mosque. The work was carried out using blocks of jasper, a stone native to Mula. Inside the temple a figure of the Virgin, which was carved from wood in the 17th century, can be seen.
Another attraction for the tourist is the Maciajan water wheel which was constructed entirely of metal. Its size is remarkable at 10 metres in diameter and with 64 scoops which give it an enormous capacity for irrigating the land.
FESTIVITIES
In Albudeite one festival in particular stands out: that which is celebrated on Palm Sunday, a day on which two mayors are appointed one for those who are married and another for single people and they are given the power and authority to ask their neighbours to perform even the most unusual of activities. The day ends with the burning of a figure which represents the Apostle Judas.
