Elda

Elda is a city and municipality located in the province of Alicante, in the Valencian Community, Spain. As of 2009, it has a total population of 55,618 inhabitants, ranking as the 7th most populous city in the province. Elda joins together with the town of Petrer to form a conurbation with nearly 100,000 inhabitants. The river Vinalopó flows through the urban area of Elda. Elda is known for its footwear industry, in particular for women's shoes. Tourist sites include the Footwear Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Torre del Homenaje del castillo (a tower dating from the 12th century), Castelar Square, Count of Coloma Palace, the Town Hall and the church of Santa Ana. It also celebrates the important festival of Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians). Spanish is the main language of the city, however in neighbouring Petrer the main language is Valencian.