Málaga will travel to Ceuta for the Primera Federación matchday 19 fixture on Sunday 14 January. The Estadio Alfonso Murube will host the match kicking off at 12:00 and Cártama will be the municipality represented on the captain’s armband.
Cártama is a municipality located to the west of the province, in the Valle del Guadalhorce, 21 km from the capital of the Costa del Sol. It is part of the metropolitan area of Malaga and has 105 km² in which its roots and nature coexist together to form a cosmopolitan and welcoming environment. All this, together with the charm and warmth of its people, Cartameños and Cartameñas, makes this a special place.
The origin of this municipality dates back to the time of the Phoenicians, who initially called the town “Cartha”, which means hidden or hidden place. With the arrival of the Romans, it was renamed Cartima. This territory has been well considered in all its stages thanks to its strategic position and fertile lands, capturing the interest of the Muslims until 1485 when it was conquered by the Catholic Monarchs and became known as Cártama.
Although it is a municipality where you can find everyday comforts, leisure activities and nature, one of the icons of Cártama is its ‘Ermita’: La Ermita de Los Remedios. This was built on an old mosque and has become a pilgrimage site where thousands of people visit each year. It’s a steep climb up, representing a personal challenge for those who give it a go.
Without moving away from religion, another of the most notable points of interest in the municipality is the Iglesia de San Pedro. This is made up of three naves separated by pillars, semicircular arches and wooden roofs in which Gothic, Mudejar and Renaissance elements come together.
The Iron Bridge over the Guadalhorce River in Cártama, chosen by the artist José Luis Puche, is another of the most striking elements that we find in Cártama. It was built between 1927 and 1931 with the purpose of connecting Estación de Cártama with Cártama Pueblo. Today it is one of the busiest walking areas in the municipality and lights up beautifully at night.
The natural terrain of Cártama is, for the most part, fertile, hence the great cultivation of citrus fruits. In addition, the prominence of a large meat company and construction firms boost the municipality’s economy.
Cártama's gastronomy stands out for its richness and variety. ‘Cachorreña’ soups, boiled soups, asparagus soups and ‘patatas viudas’ are some of the most typical dishes in the area. However, it’s the sweet treats that perhaps shine more than anything, with the ‘torta cartameña’. This is made with almonds and oil, providing a hint of the Arab legacy.
For the design of the captain’s armband to be worn in the match against AD Ceuta, José Luis Puche has chosen the Iron Bridge over the Guadalhorce River. This structure was built in 1931 with the purpose of joining Estación de Cártama with Cártama Pueblo. Of functional style from the beginning of the 20th century, it is one of the few examples that we see in the province, along with the Puente de los Alemanes, which joins the two banks of the Guadalmedina in the centre of Malaga. Puche has captured the beauty of this landmark with a yellow and red background that the sunset gives us at this beautiful place in the Guadalhorce.
Cártama with Málaga!