Markina-Xemein

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Markina-Xemein
Municipality
Markina-Xemein
Town hall
Coat of arms
Motto(s):  Muy Noble y Muy Leal Villa Markina-Xemein (The very noble and loyal village of Markina-Xemein)
Location of Markina-Xemein in Bizkaia.
Markina-Xemein Location of Markina-Xemein within the Basque Country Show map of the Basque Country Markina-Xemein Location of Markina-Xemein within Spain Show map of Spain
Coordinates: 43°16′8″N 2°29′47″W / 43.26889°N 2.49639°W / 43.26889; -2.49639
Country	Spain
Autonomous community	País Vasco
Province	Biscay
Comarca	Lea-Artibai
Founded	1952
Government
• Alcalde	Juan Jose Txurruka Txurruka (Bildu)
Area
• Total	44.79 km2 (17.29 sq mi)
Elevation	85 m (279 ft)
Population  (2018)[1]
• Total	4,934
• Density	110/km2 (290/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Marquinés/a, Markinarra Jemeindarra, Xemeindarra
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	48270
Website	Official website

Markina-Xemein is a town and municipality located in the province of Biscay, Bizkaia, in the Basque Autonomous Community, also known as the Basque Country, located in northern Spain. The origin of the town's name lies in its geographic location. The last town in the province of Bizkaia, Markina-Xemein lies between Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia. Coming from the Spanish word "marca" meaning "mark", Markina-Xemein marks the location where the Gipuzkoanos (the people of Guipuzcoa province) often battled the Bizkainos (the people of Biscay province).

The local economy is mostly based on the primary and secondary sectors, with particular relevance for agriculture and cattle herding, timber research and metal industry. The metal industry has in fact played an important role in the past, through the development of important weapons in the defense industry. Extraction of black marble, known as Nero Marquina (Marmol Negro), also plays an important role in the local economy. The high quality of the stone has gained international recognition; it is one of the most important marbles from Spain.

Markina-Xemein keeps a tight connection with Basque pelota sport; in fact its two walled court or frontón is known as "University of the Pelota", since it is the place where great Basket or Jai Alai pelotaris learnt to play.

Markina-Xemein's patron saint festival, consecrated to the Virgen del Carmen, takes place in the middle of July. Besides, the municipality hosts many fairs and markets all through the year.