Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Moral de Sayago
The municipality and locality of Moral de Sayago is situated within the province of Zamora, in the historical region of Sayago.
The term 'Moral' has its origins in Leonese tradition and is derived from the black mulberry tree (Morus nigra), which was traditionally planted in front of many rural churches and played an important role in the local culture.
Most of the population is engaged in agricultural activities, with over two-thirds of the population employed in the fields and the remaining third engaged in activities related to agriculture. The trades of basket weaving, milling, weaving and blacksmithing were significant in the past in maintaining the cohesion of the agricultural sector. It is regrettable that, because of the technological and scientific advances that were made during the 20th century, these works were lost. Moral Sayago was on the cusp of modernisation with the advent of a nuclear power station in its municipality towards the end of the 1970s. However, this did not materialise.
The history of Moral de Sayago can be traced back to Roman times, as evidenced by the numerous remains and discoveries within its boundaries. These include the Mirandesa Roman road, the Fuente del Concejo, and certain fragments of Roman stelae, monoliths that once adorned the walls of private houses. These artifacts provide insight into the origins of the town.
A written reference from the 13th century, citing Moral de Sayago as part of the Kingdom of León, mentions the founding of the village because of the repopulation process carried out by the Christian monarchs in the Sayago area.
The rectangular parish church of Moral de Sayago, situated almost outside the village, features a triangular Romanesque belfry built with granite ashlars on its façade. The interior of the church contains a Baroque altarpiece and a coffered ceiling from the 18th century. However, it is on the outside that for some people the most important emblem of the village resides: the moral that gives its name to the municipality itself.
The Vetons, a pre-Roman Celtic people who inhabited this area, would gather around these specimens to discuss matters of communal importance, as this species was sacred to them. In addition to the Church of Moral de Sayago, situated on the route to the cemetery, there is a modest chapel known as Ermita del Humilladero, which is no longer in use. However, it was previously the entrance to the cemetery.
The celebrations in Moral de Sayago occur in close temporal proximity to one another. On the one hand, the patron saint festivities of San Felipe are held on 1 May in the neighbouring town of Abelón. On the other hand, every 6 May in Moral de Sayago the festivities in honour of its patron saint are held. The patron saint is Santa Marina. Both celebrations have pagan origins, with the Veton people marking the end of the harsh Castilian winter and the advent of spring. In the present era, the inhabitants of Moralejos and Moralejas engage in the practice of attending mass and taking the saint out in procession, with the intention of bestowing blessings upon the crops. During this period, various activities are typically organised, including clay pigeon shooting and pelota competitions, as well as children's games, traditional dance exhibitions and open-air dances for all audiences. To facilitate the enjoyment of holidaymakers