Velada is a municipality located in the province of Toledo, Castile-La Mancha, Spain. According to the 2006 census (INE), the municipality has a population of 2,436 inhabitants.

Velada
Flag of Velada
Coat of arms of Velada
Velada is located in Spain
Velada
Velada
Location in Spain
Coordinates: 39°59′N 4°59′W / 39.983°N 4.983°W / 39.983; -4.983
Country Spain
Autonomous communityCastile-La Mancha
ProvinceToledo
MunicipalityVelada
Area
 • Total145 km2 (56 sq mi)
Elevation
432 m (1,417 ft)
Population
 (2018)[1]
 • Total2,865
 • Density20/km2 (51/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)

Name

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Velada comes from "velar" ('to stay awake at night'/'to be vigilant', from Latin 'vigilare').[2] Prior to Velada, the place was known as Las Atalayuelas de Guadierva.[3]

History

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Segregated from the land of Ávila, the Crown awarded the place in 1271 to knights from the former city, tasked with the repopulation of the area.[4] Known as Las Atalayuelas de Guadierva, the place was ensuingly renamed as Velada on royal initiative.[3]

Velada was possibly granted the privilege of township towards 1588.[5]

Watermelon of Velada

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The velada watermelon is one of the main engines of the economy of this municipality. Being a dry and ecological crop, these watermelons have great flavor and the largest can reach up to 30 kg in weight. They grow in a large area called "El Baldío" and their collection usually goes from mid-July to mid-October, and even depending on the year, until November. The planting takes place between April and May.

Velada's watermelon is exported in Spain and abroad.

References

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Citations
  1. ^ Municipal Register of Spain 2018. National Statistics Institute.
  2. ^ Jiménez de Gregorio 1997, p. 50.
  3. ^ a b Franco Silva 1990, p. 34.
  4. ^ Franco Silva 1990, pp. 33–34.
  5. ^ Jiménez de Gregorio 1997, p. 22.
Bibliography