festivals = Fiestas of San Antonio Abad, which features a pilgrimage and blessing of the animals, in January; Carnival, in February; San Vicente Ferrer Festival, in April; San Lorenzo Festival, in August
It features the small Holy Virgin church, and is surrounded by hills and mountains. Writer Gabriel Miró (1879–1930) was a resident of Parcent and called it a "paradise between the mountains".
It is also close to Jalón (written as Xaló in Catalan), which is known for its wine production and markets. The traditional economy of Parcent relies on almond and orange farming in the surrounding area.
History
The name "Parcent" is of Latin origin. Later, it was a Moorish town until the forces of James I of Aragon conquered it in 1256 CE.
There was a major outbreak of leprosy in Parcent in 1850 and by 1887 20% of the residents of Parcent were afflicted.[3] This apparently motivated the inclusion of passages about the disease in Miró's two so-called "Oleza" novels.[4]
Demographics
The 2006 census established that Parcent's population was 1,019 inhabitants. It was also revealed that about 35.10% of the population of Parcent were not Spanish citizens but were in fact incomers from other countries within the European Union.
Historical population
Year
Pop.
±% p.a.
1857
1,223
—
1887
1,415
+0.49%
1900
1,192
−1.31%
1910
978
−1.96%
1920
935
−0.45%
Year
Pop.
±% p.a.
1930
801
−1.53%
1940
889
+1.05%
1950
793
−1.14%
1960
728
−0.85%
1970
678
−0.71%
Year
Pop.
±% p.a.
1981
619
−0.82%
1991
717
+1.48%
2000
857
+2.00%
2005
960
+2.30%
2006
1,019
+6.15%
Controversy
Many Europeans from other areas have built retirement or second homes in Parcent, mainly due to the sunshine and proximity to the beaches. However, Parcent and the surrounding valley are suffering growing pains as development quickens.[5]
Protest marchers in Parcent concerned about growth plans