Water her with love? Yes, but not drowning it: what nobody told you about the basil, Huesca symbol

The streets of Huesca They are already preparing to dye white and green with the beginning of the San Lorenzo parties next August 9. As every year, an element stands out among all: basil, a plant that not only perfumes the atmosphere, but also connects the Oscenses with their deepest roots.

Originally from India and arrival in the Peninsula during the Roman era, basil has since been a symbol of protection, good luck and memory. In Huesca, his role is fundamental. It is carried in the clothes, in the hand or placed on the marble as a tribute to the ancestors, evoking the memory of the old gardeners of the neighborhood where the devotion to San Lorenzo was born.

This Saturday at 12.00 Huesca will live again a new proclamation, the beginning of its parties.

More than a plant: a living legend

According to the local tradition, the basil arrived in Huesca to combat a plague, and since then its presence is inseparably linked to the holidays. Its characteristic aroma and intense green color not only decorate balconies, streets and squares, but also represent a direct link with the history of the city and its community values.

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Basil also stands out for the curiosities that surround it. In ancient Rome, this plant was a symbol of love and fertility, and still today magical and medicinal properties are attributed: it is considered an amulet of good luck and has anti -inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. In addition, he acts as a natural repellent, moving mosquitoes and pests such as aphid or white fly, which makes it a perfect ally in the garden, where it is planted next to other vegetables to protect them. In the kitchen, it is a real star: essential in Italian and usual pesto in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. In addition, it is rich in vitamins A, C and K, as well as in iron, potassium and magnesium, which makes it an excellent health ally.

How to grow basil at home

Basil is an easy to take care of, perfect for both light interiors and for balconies and exterior gardens. These are some basic tips for cultivation:

Where to plant it: prefer sunny and protected places of the wind.
Type of soil: light, with good drainage.
When to plant it: in spring, when there is no risk of frost.
Irrigation: Regular, without flooding the substrate. It is recommended to water it in the morning or at sunset.
Duration: It is an annual plant, so it usually lasts until the end of summer if you take care of it.

With the start of the Fiestas de San Lorenzo, the basil is again the great protagonist of Huesca. Beyond its aroma and beauty, it is a symbol of identity, union and memory for all Oscenses.