18th CENTURY

Over time, the demographic recovery in the Alpujarra is becoming palpable. It relates to a progressive economic development, in which agriculture still has special importance, still characterized by small plots. The Alpujarreña population, consisting in large part by those settlers who worked so hard to adapt to the area, adopted traditional systems of terracing and irrigation and introduced new crops, carrying out also an important livestock activity, together with craftwork, heir of ancient traditions. The tendency to self-sufficiency and subsistence economy continued patents.

In 1728, an administrative reform takes place. With this, the Alpujarra is divided into districts, establishing their capital in Ugíjar.

19th CENTURY

A political period of intensity at a peninsular level, which will be reflected in the region. During the War of Independence, in which the French also had a presence in the area, the Alpujarreños fought against them, facing the external threats by guerrilla warfare.

In 1833, Javier de Burgos established the provincial division of Spain. This affects directly the Alpujarra, as a new provincial organization, that divides it between the provinces of Granada and Almeria, is performed. Until then, the administrative division of the Andalusian tahas was still used. This decisively affects the development and future of the region.

The following year, accentuating the division, judicial areas appear with capitals in Órgiva, Ugíjar, Albuñol and Motril.

At a social level, the population growth that begun the previous century continues, but also significant moments of decline in the economic sector (earthquake in 1884, phylloxera in 1888, decline of the lead mines of Sierra de Gádor) are noted.

Gradually, the economy lives important production processes, getting integrated into the international market (mining, wine production, etc.).

20th CENTURY

The recovery process is emphasized. There are improvements in various aspects such as communications (road construction) or electricity (introduction of power lines).

Civil War (1936-39)

The war events in the area have no strong character, having some activity in the Sierra de Lújar or areas of Capileira, Bubión, Órgiva or Pórtugos.

The front line was not substantially changed during the conflict.

The revolt, which had triumphed in the city of Granada, largely fails in the Alpujarra. The coasts of Granada, Málaga and Almería and an important part of La Alpujarra came under the control of the government of the Republic. In the western part, the uprising triumphed.

During the years of war in the region, thousands of people were tortured, killed and buried at the hands of both sides. Notable are the events of the canyon Carrizal, along with the road from Órgiva to Lanjarón, or labour camp in Turón.

From 1939, the Republicans start abandoning the area, so Franco’s soldiers occupy the Alpujarra gradually. Resistance to the new regime tried to be organized without success. Guerrilla groups, "bandits" or "los de la sierra" hid in the region to fight the power. The Mota, the Bizco, the Palanca, the Bonilla, the Saltatrenes or the Galindos are outstanding characters. 

The subsequent economic decline, to which the World War II contributes, and its negative consequences for Spain, with the blockade by the victorious powers, was reflected in the region. It was in a time of scarcity and fear, in which agriculture and livestock allowed a bare subsistence.

On the positive side, the new regime made significant improvements in the villages, such as installing running water, sanitation, sewerage, paving streets and some advances in communications.

In addition, the interest of the Alpujarra among researchers continues right now. Many scholars and scientists help to provide a more accurate knowledge of the region.

THE ALPUJARRA TODAY

The migration is important in the region, with the advent of industrialization and the rise of sun and beach tourism. The Alpujarreña population leaves in search of work to Catalonia, the Basque Country, Madrid and the Balearic Islands and abroad (France, Switzerland, Germany). Almost 50% of the global population of La Alpujarra is lost.

The population loss motivates the disappearance of certain municipalities and the emergence of new ones, by concentrating more of them.

However, in the last decades of the 20th century, immigration (national and foreign population) and the gradual economic recovery are evident.

The new agricultural systems acquire a great development, although many of the traditional techniques of cultivation are abandoned. Agroindustrial focus appears localized, such as drying ham in Trevélez and nearby villages.

The development of sectors such as handicrafts and tourism in the area is becoming increasingly evident, marking in a very important way, the development of populations. To this, new cultural patterns, new technologies or the tendency to consumerism is added. Organizations and associations that promote the conservation of cultural values and sustainable development initiatives mark, similarly, the development of the Alpujarra.

Society, economy and regional landscape are a different reality today.