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Colors of Leon - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Casa Botines. León The cultural life of Leon is versatile and original; the city hosts both beautiful ancient festivals and interesting modern celebrations. It is worth noting the special hankering of local residents to the culinary arts. During the year, lots of various culinary exhibitions, fairs, workshops and culinary competitions are held in Leon. However, the culinary tradition is not the only distinctive feature of the local culture; citizens honor traditions of their ancestors and don’t forget about old holidays.
Guide to Leon sightseeing - things to see and to visit
Leon is a town on north-east of Spain. It is situated on the bank of the Bernesga River right at the foot of the Cordillera Cantábrica. The population of this city estimated 122.7 thousands … Open
Favorite festival of local people is summer solstice, sometimes it is called the Day of Peter and John apostles. For the first time this holiday has been celebrated back in the early Middle Ages. On this auspicious day it is customary to give flowers to relatives and friends, as well as to kindle bonfires on streets. Today, it’s simply impossible to imagine this happy holiday without bright costumed performances, concerts and exhibitions. In honor of the occasion obligatory bullfighting - a favorite medieval fun – is held.
No less interesting is the Day of the city, which is usually celebrated in early October. Holiday begins with a solemn procession; brightly decorated carts are passing through the main streets of the city. National flags and coats of arms are main decorations, each of which represents a different epoch. After the parade, residents of the city and visitors are sent to the central square, where the most important event of the holiday - tasting pudding – is held. This national delicacy is present at every holiday table; every year skillful chefs try to surprise guests of the holiday with their culinary masterpieces. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Family holidays with kids in Leon. How to entertain your child, things to show to children.
In Leon, vacationers with children should definitely visit the main amusement park of the city – water park Islaleon. This water park is outstanding for the fact that it is situated on the … Open
Interesting culinary event attracts people from neighboring towns; tourists are also actively taking part in the celebration. On the Day of the city theater performances and concerts, various seminars and exhibitions are held. They illuminate important historical events and cultural traditions of Leon. For many city dwellers this holiday becomes a real journey into the past. It finishes with a concert on the main square. In days of national holidays guests have a unique opportunity to experience the culture and customs of local people. Beautiful and original activities will diversify leisure and help to learn a lot about local traditions.
Cathedral. León October 5th in Leon is traditionally marked by such a holiday as Las Cantaderas also known as San Froilán. Many tourists come to the former capital of the eponymous kingdom at this time with the city for the sole purpose of watching the beautiful ceremony. The holiday is nothing but a commemoration of the battle of Clavijo when the king of Leon was finally released from the obligation to provide the Moors with local girls as payment for Muslim rule.
Cuisine of Leon for gourmet with top restaurants and cafe
National cuisine has a lot of interesting features; many local chefs prepare dishes following old recipes, fully respecting the culinary tradition. The menu of Leon restaurants would … Open
Despite the fact that the battle is considered mythical (no archaeological evidence was found) locals believe sincerely in its real historical significance. An interesting ritual taking place during the holiday involves a colorful procession of the so-called "cantaderas" - singing girls dressed in medieval clothes. The girls are followed by the Municipal Guild, and the end point of the parade is Insigne Real Basílica Catedral de la Asunción where all participants are honoring the Mother of God. Apart from the procession, medieval fairs, craft workshops, automobile and art exhibitions are organized, theatrical performances are staged for visitors.
Casa Botines in Leon In the middle or end of February, Leon, like many other European cities, hosts a colorful festival (Carnaval de La Bañeza). On this festive day, the square in front of the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento de la Bañeza) becomes the venue for colorful events, including costume parades, street parties, theatrical and musical performances. No one will be bored - just looking at the photos from the carnival is enough to make sure of it. Everyone would be happy to visit such a colorful event.
Excursion over cultural sights of Leon - 'must visit' points of interest
Architectural and historical monuments of different eras are presented in Leon. Curious travelers will be able to see ruins of ancient city walls, admire beautiful religious buildings and … Open
Equally noteworthy is the Gran Cabalgata de Los Reyes Magos, which takes place on January 5 in all Spanish cities, including Leon. The holiday begins with a costumed procession led by the three Magi kings - Balthazar, Caspar, and Melchior - who throw sweets into the crowd. And this cannot but delight the smallest visitors. Apart from the parades, of great interest are dancing and theatrical shows of groups that arrived from other European countries.
Monestary in Leon Another interesting holiday that takes place in Leon is called Natalicio del Aguila and traditionally falls on June 10th. On this day, local residents pay tribute to the Roman legion's formation (which happened in 68 AD), which marked the starting point of the history of Leon. The festival program includes fancy-dress parades (as one might guess, participants wear ancient Roman togas), craft workshops open on the central streets and in parks, and the culmination of the event is theatrical shows and tournaments between people dressed up as Roman legionnaires. Among other things, the celebration is a great opportunity to participate in one of the thematic tours that are often held at this time.
This guide to traditions and festivals in Leon is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Leon and surroundings

Reference information
Map of all churches
Cathedrals and basilicas near Leon
♥   Iglesia de Santa Cristina de Lena, Oviedo, 62 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Leon
♥   Castle 'Castle-Palace of los Guzmanes' Leon, 0.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castle of Santa María de Ordás' Leon, 28.7 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castle of Coyanza' Leon, 34.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castle of Laguna de Negrillos' Leon, 40.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castle of Villanueva de Jamuz' Leon, 47.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castle of Cea' Leon, 47.7 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castle of Grajal' Leon, 54.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com Rentals in Leon
Detailed Leon maps
Leon photo gallery

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Colors of Leon in photos

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Traditions and festivals in cities around Leon

Oviedo
Considering handicraft traditions of this city, lace making is best worth mentioning. Local people have been engaged in this craft for many centuries. There are genuine masters of lace making who have inherited the skills and traditions of the craft from their ancestors. The Festival of Lace takes place in June during which the craftsmen of lace making perform their ... Open »
Gijon
In addition to a variety of holiday items, a lot of interesting sweets and treats are sold at the market. The special Christmas delicacy is turron. On the eve of the New Year streets are decorated with aixames torches; they give the city a mysterious and romantic look. Talking about features of the local culture, we should definitely mention love for cider. The beautiful ... Open »
Valladolid
Valladolid is a city with amazing history and truly incomparable culture. While visiting it, you will surely hear numerous legends and stories connected with the appearance of its beautiful name. According to one legend, the name of the city was originally discovered by the Arabs. Initially it sounded like "Baladul Walid", which is literally translated as "the city of Walid". ... Open »
Santander
Considering favorite holidays and celebrations of local folks a specific tradition of a birthday celebration should be taken in focus. Commonly a birthday is celebrated twice a year – the first celebration is of a true birthday of a person and another one is a celebration of a saint’s day. It should be noted that the tradition of a double celebration of birthday has been ... Open »
Ourense
People of Ourense are great admirers of their culture and traditions and are known for their love for lush and long holidays. One of the city's largest annual celebrations is the Xinzo de Limia Carnival. Officially, it is held from March 1 to 5, but in fact, city residents begin to arrange entertainment programs three weeks prior to the event. Three Sundays before the ... Open »
Galicia
The festival lasts for 9 days; guests are offered to diversify a rich gastronomic program with interesting folklore events. During the holiday, amazing concerts of folk music and dance performances are arranged. There are also exhibitions and competitions, in which absolutely everyone can participate. It’s worth noting that all prizes for contests and competitions consist ... Open »
Cityguide on traditions, mentality and lifestyle of people in Leon. Learn the best periods to visit Leon to discover its soul - authentic festivals, events and celebrations. We will also reveal the interesting habits, attitude towards the world and to tourists in Leon.
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