Almohaja, once the quiet stronghold of the smallest municipality in Aragon, has been overtaken as the titleholder, now home to just 12 residents. This tiny village, located within the comarca of Comunidad de Teruel, trails behind its previous competitor, Salcedillo, which boasts 13 inhabitants. Although Almohaja was briefly larger years ago, its plight illuminates the broader theme of dwindling populations across rural Spain.
Not too far from Almohaja, San Agustín presents a different narrative. With 134 residents, this village is perched at 959 meters above sea level, surrounded by the rivers Mijares and Maimona and the picturesque landscapes of the Pina de Montalgrao, Javalambre, and Gúdar mountain ranges. The town's geographical layout lends itself to breathtaking vistas and outdoor activities, including hiking trails and, particularly, its renowned starlight observatory.
San Agustín attracts visitors and locals alike, thanks to its scenic observatory which offers pristine views of the night sky. The absence of light pollution due to its remote location provides stargazers with opportunities to marvel at the cosmos. The town's structures, characterized by their white facades and steep roads, create an appealing environment for those seeking tranquility away from urban life.
A closer look at Almohaja tells of years gone by. Once home to 271 inhabitants as recently as 1910, the village has witnessed significant erosion of its population, much like other towns within the region. The post-World War II era brought about widespread rural-to-urban migration, with many families leaving behind pleasant country lives to seek jobs and modern conveniences offered by larger cities.
The statistics are sobering: Almohaja’s population has continued to decline from 160 residents between 1960 and 1970 to 12 today. The changes indicate not only the fate of this village but also speak volumes about the sociocultural dynamics at play within Spain's rural municipalities.
Even with its stark numbers, Almohaja still offers sites of historical importance. Visitors can explore the old chapel dedicated to the Virgin of the Rose, constructed during the 18th century, showcasing valuable artifacts like an 18th-century crucifix. This quaint town, before the onslaught of modernity, was once rich with activity and community spirit, evidenced by remnants of the past strewn throughout its lands.
San Agustín, on the other hand, displays resilience. Despite challenges shared by its smaller counterparts, this village continues to leverage its natural assets to preserve its identity. The community showcases its stellar observatory, encouraging visitors to experience outdoor adventures and explore the region's breathtaking vistas. Those residing here often point to the tranquility and beauty surrounding their homes as competing benefits to city living.
While both Almohaja and San Agustín represent the struggles of rural Spain, they also exemplify how communities can thrive, albeit on different paths. Efforts are being made at local levels to rejuvenate interest and attract visitors through outdoor recreation and cultural events. Each town offers stories of the past intertwined with aspirations for the future.
The thematic challenges posed by Almohaja’s declining numbers juxtapose the vitality seen within San Agustín—painting vivid contrasts of small-town life within Aragon. It prompts the reflective question: can strategies like tourism and community-focused events pave the way for preserving these quaint locales?
