Velada
Municipality in Castile-La Mancha, Spain
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 .svg) Coat of arms | |
  Velada Location in Spain | |
| Coordinates: 39°59′N 4°59′W | |
| Country |  Spain |
| Autonomous community | Castile-La Mancha |
| Province | Toledo |
| Municipality | Velada |
| Area | |
• Total | 145 km2 (56 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 432 m (1,417 ft) |
| Population (2025-01-01)[1] | |
• Total | 2,899 |
| • Density | 20.0/km2 (51.8/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
Name
History
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
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.