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Colors of Valladolid - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

City Hall 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". Valladolid was named in honor of one of great Arab rulers. However, many historians criticize this theory a lot, since during the reign of the Arabs Valladolid was still a small village and was not large enough for the honor to wear the name of the great ruler.
Valladolid design-hotels for stylish travellers
A very nice from a designer point of view is Mozart Hotel opened in a completely renovated 18th-century building. The historic building has managed to retain high windows and ceilings; rooms … Open
The theory that the name of the city was formed by the fusion of two words - Celtic «tolitum» and Latin «vallis» - seems to be the most credible. The first word can be translated as "confluence of waters", and the second one is "valley". Local people have always had great respect for their history and so they cherish all cultural traditions that have evolved in Valladolid during many centuries. Religion plays a huge role in the life of the indigenous people. Religious holidays and festivals are simply the best period to get acquainted with the national culture.
Easter remains the most favorite holiday of locals. Interesting events take place in Valladolid during the whole Holy Week. The solemn celebration starts with an equestrian march, in which take part members of various religious communities of the city. There are many people on the streets of the city who come to watch the amazing procession. As a rule, the procession ends on Mayor Square. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Top places to stay in Valladolid - most luxurious hotels
One of the most prestigious and famous hotels in Valladolid is AC Hotel Palacio de Santa Ana by Marriott. It is based in the Los Jerónimos Monastery restored building dating back to the … Open
Once the march is over, the square is used for preaching. Both adults and children come there to listen to wise words of priests. All festivities are open to foreign travelers, who will surely find much interesting in watching this unforgettable event. One more solemn procession takes place after the noon. During it the participants walk to all important religious places of the city and worship ancient sculptures. It should be noted that vast majority of religious artifacts exhibited in local churches and cathedrals relate to the period of the Middle Ages, thus they are of a great value. Easter has always been considered the most emotional and solemn holiday, so travelers are recommended to visit the city during the day of celebration and take part in beautiful events.
Simancas (Valladolid). Archivo General The festival calendar of Spain's former capital includes many bright and colorful events. Thus, when visiting the City of Kings in late October, you can get acquainted with fresh cinema novelties of a religious nature. The thing is that Semana Internacional de Cine de Valliadolid also known as Seminci is held during this time. Teatro Calderón serves as the venue. Thanks to the event, you can discover new names in the film industry, as it was before (for example, such masters as Fellini, Bergman, Buñuel, and Weida received world recognition here), and therefore, movie buffs should not miss their opportunity to visit one of the largest film festivals in Europe.
Old hotels keeping the history of Valladolid
In the picturesque historic district of Valladolid, you will find famous Hotel Boutique Gareus. It occupies a very respectable historic building and invites its guests to plunge into the … Open
We shouldn't fail to mention perhaps the most colorful event taking place in the City of Kings. We are talking about a carnival that falls at the beginning or the middle of February. Valladolid changes for this time - fun reigns everywhere, people organize street parties, there are no reasons to be sad (however, local residents are never sad, it's not about the Spaniards). The program includes performances by circus actors and dancers, a parade takes place on the central streets, and all wishing dress up in carnival costumes, as a contest for the best carnival look is held within the framework of the event.
Reflejo de Capitanía Every Spanish town has its own patron saint, and Valladolid is no exception in this regard. The holy patroness of the City of Kings is the Virgin of San Lorenzo, and a festival in her honor is celebrated on September 8. She repeatedly defended the inhabitants of the city from adversity, and from the Moorish conquerors in particular - at least according to the local legend the locals believe in and sure of. On this day, the homeland of the most famous Spanish King Philip II opens fairs and hosts theatrical performances, visitors are invited to taste local food and drinks.
Best hotel choice for romantic escape, wedding or honeymoon in Valladolid
When choosing a hotel for a romantic stay in Valladolid, pay special attention to Enara Boutique Hotel. Opened in a 19-century building, it offers couples a broad selection of chic … Open
In the City of Kings, another saint is paid special tribute. We are talking about Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. March 19 is marked by Día de San José, which is a day off throughout Spain, except for Valencia and Murcia. The celebration includes church services and public worshiping. In addition, the same date is timed to Father's Day (El Dia de la Padre). But Mother's Day (El Dia de la Madre) is celebrated on the first Sunday of May. Local residents celebrate both these events in a narrow family circle and, of course, give gifts to the "heroes of the day".
Iglesia de San Juan Another religious holiday widely celebrated in Valladolid is called Corpus Christi. The event takes place 60 days after Easter. On this day, there is a procession with the observance of clearly distributed roles and accompanied by musicians. Starting from the Old Town streets, its final destination is Plaza Mayor. Church services are held in the morning and evening. Also, one of the most deeply revered Catholic holidays in the homeland of Torquemada is the Ascension of the Virgin Mary, or Asunción, traditionally celebrated on August 15. The celebration is marked by divine services, theatrical performances. and church parades.
Shopping in Valladolid - main shopping streets, outlets and boutiques
The main shopping attraction of Valladolid is Mercado del Val historic market, whose opening took place over a hundred years ago. Nowadays, the market occupies a majestic historic building. … Open
It's certainly impossible to ignore the National Day of Spain, which translates as Fiesta Nacional de España. In the City of Kings, the event is celebrated on a grand scale, although, of course, it does not have such a scope as the present Spanish capital has. The date is always the same, and it is October 12. It is an official day off throughout the country, with military parades and the festive fireworks as its culmination. Another national holiday falls on December 6 and is dedicated to the adoption of the Constitution. The event is known as Día de la Constitución.
Valladolid The apogee of the festival year in Valladolid is Navidad celebrated on December 25. From December 15 to November 5, the city opens a Christmas fair where you can buy gifts for loved ones. Now the whole town looks like a real Christmas fairy tale - it is decorated as if Papá Noel together with his extensive retinue decided to move out of his winter residence somewhere where the sun always shines. Christmas in Valladolid is celebrated in the family circle but it's always noisy and fun because it is just impossible to imagine other Spaniards.
This guide to traditions and festivals in Valladolid 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 Valladolid and surroundings

Reference information
Map of all churches
Cathedrals and basilicas near Valladolid
♥   Santuario Nacional de la Gran Promesa, Valladolid, 0.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Catedral de la Asunción de la Virgen, Segovia, 92.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Valladolid
♥   Castle 'Walls of Valladolid' Valladolid, 0.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castle of Fuensaldaña' Valladolid, 7.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castle of Simancas' Valladolid, 11.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castle of Trigueros del Valle' Valladolid, 20.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castle of Portillo' Valladolid, 21.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castle of Torrelobatón' Valladolid, 25.7 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castle of Ampudia' Palencia, 29.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com Rentals in Valladolid
Detailed Valladolid maps
Valladolid photo gallery

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Colors of Valladolid in photos

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Traditions and festivals in cities around Valladolid

Leon
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 ... Open »
Madrid
For local residents social and financial positions play a vital role. Residents of Madrid are very willful. They are distinguished by pride and attention to appearance. Image and reputation – these are the main aspects of the life of local people. However, people here are very negative to any display of self-confidence. It’s not common to flaunt wealth and social ... Open »
Toledo
Toledo is the timeless city. Its unique way of life hasn’t changed for hundreds years. Of course, Toledo is the modern and rapidly developing city, but its cultural traditions remain unchanged. This is where the world's best armorers live; they have made the city ​​famous yet in the Middle Ages. Local craftsmen make excellent blades and swords that are in demand not only ... Open »
Oviedo
Oviedo is a city of unique traditions which will be of great interest to every tourist and city guest. Annually Oviedo witnesses a bright remarkable fest being the Festival of San Mateo (Saint Matthew) which is accompanied with bright folks’ shows and performances. The festival is held in the second part of September. Within seven days of the fest the streets of the city are ... Open »
Santander
Tourists planning a visit to the city of Santander should take into consideration several ethnic features which will sufficiently ease the vacation and add comfort to the time spent on the resort. Local folks are considered to be the most shouting nation in the world. Loud speaking in public is considered to be a norm among local residents and will not be interpreted as ill ... Open »
Gijon
Gijon has lots of interesting cultural traditions; the best way to get acquainted with them is to visit one of the beautiful national holidays. One of the oldest and most popular celebrations is the day of St. Bartholomew; it has been celebrated every year for more than two centuries. Foreign visitors know this colorful festival as the Festival of Moors and Christians. It lasts ... Open »
Cityguide on traditions, mentality and lifestyle of people in Valladolid. Learn the best periods to visit Valladolid to discover its soul - authentic festivals, events and celebrations. We will also reveal the interesting habits, attitude towards the world and to tourists in Valladolid.
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