Tahal’s population of nearly 400 residents is fairly typical for some of Andalusia’s rural municipalities. Eight vehicle repair shops form the majority of Tahal’s industry. Of the 142 residents who do work, ten percent are employed in this specific industry.

 

Almost thirty percent of Tahal’s local residents are older than 65. Sadly, those leaving school also tend to leave Tahal in search of better employment opportunities.

Throughout history, Tahal has had a few different names. The Christians gave the town its final name. There is some evidence that Tahal dates back to the Neolithic period. Engravings found within cavern systems are the best evidence in support of this belief. The town’s true growth occurred during the reign of the Moors (Arabs.)

 

The Moors turned Tahal into a thriving area. During their reign, the population topped 3,000 residents. Unfortunately, the end of the 1400s brought in the Christian armies who fought to gain this town for Catholic kings. The population sharply declined and never truly recovered.

 

Attempts were made to repopulate the area in the late 1500s when 45 families were moved into the area in hopes of turning Tahal into a thriving community once more. Plagues and natural disasters hindered the efforts. Nothing helped, and the population of Tahal remained small. Even today, the number of residents never tops 500.

Originally, Tahal’s church was destroyed by fire during the Moorish revolution in the 1500s. During the 19th century, The Church of Santo Christ of Consuelo was built from the ruins with an impressive bell tower and altar area.

 

The Castle of the Estévez dates to the 16th century. The castle sat high on the hillside and served as the main defensive structure. The high towers allowed the armies to view the enemy far before their arrival.

 

At one time in history, Tahal held the esteemed position of being one of Spain’s more profitable towns. Unfortunately, as more regions became advanced with telephone access, electricity, and Internet access, Tahal lost its former grandeur. Today, the population has plummeted and the youth of Tahal no longer desire to remain in their birth town.

 

Tahal is an agricultural town. Grains (wheat, rye, barley) grow well in the dry soil. Crops like lentils, potatoes, and tomatoes thrive in the area. Finally, almond groves are common throughout all of Tahal.

 

The dry soil does not lend well to lush green fields, but some within Tahal do well in the cattle ranching trade. Cattle can be used for meat production or for breeding purposes. Goats are also common and goat milk does bring in a good amount of income to the average family home.

The cuisine served in many homes throughout Tahal is typical of the province of Almería. In the cooler, damp winter months, soups are common. A broth made from garlic, almonds, and a touch of vinegar is extremely popular. Pimentón, a rich chicken broth packed with seasonings, including the famed Pimentón pepper (Spanish paprika), is served in many households. 

 

Stews are other typical meals. Spanish stew blends a rich tomato and garlic sauce and chunks of fresh vegetables and sausage. Wheat berries are used in hearty stews packed with pumpkin, garlic, and other root vegetables.

 

Migas is a filling dish in which cubes of bread are pan fried in lard and garlic before being tossed with chunks of cooked sausage or bacon. This meal can be followed by sweet bread rolls that are twisted into a pretzel like shape. Hajaldres are fried bread that can be drizzled with honey or sprinkled with sugar.

The cuisine served in many homes throughout Tahal is typical of the province of Almería. In the cooler, damp winter months, soups are common. A broth made from garlic, almonds, and a touch of vinegar is extremely popular. Pimentón, a rich chicken broth packed with seasonings, including the famed Pimentón pepper (Spanish paprika), is served in many households. 

 

Stews are other typical meals. Spanish stew blends a rich tomato and garlic sauce and chunks of fresh vegetables and sausage. Wheat berries are used in hearty stews packed with pumpkin, garlic, and other root vegetables.

 

Migas is a filling dish in which cubes of bread are pan fried in lard and garlic before being tossed with chunks of cooked sausage or bacon. This meal can be followed by sweet bread rolls that are twisted into a pretzel like shape. Hajaldres are fried bread that can be drizzled with honey or sprinkled with sugar.

Tahal is a one of Almería’s smaller municipalities. Sadly, it offers little to the tourist. The castle and church are worthwhile sites, but they require little time to see.

 

In most situations, the tourist will probably over look Tahal due to its lack of activities. Hopefully, time and a little care will alter the decreasing popularity in this once thriving town.