Velada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Velada
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 Velada
Location in Spain
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| Country |  Spain |
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| Autonomous community | Castile-La Mancha | ||
| Province | Toledo | ||
| Municipality | Velada | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 145 km2 (56 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 432 m (1,417 ft) | ||
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 2,865 | ||
| • Density | 19.76/km2 (51.17/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
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Velada is a small town, also called a municipality, located in the province of Toledo. This area is part of Castile-La Mancha, a region in central Spain. In 2018, about 2,865 people lived in Velada.
What's in a Name?
The name Velada comes from a Spanish word, "velar". This word means "to stay awake at night" or "to be watchful". It comes from the old Latin word vigilare.
Before it was called Velada, the area had a different name. It was known as Las Atalayuelas de Guadierva.
A Look at History
Velada has a long history. In 1271, the King of Castile gave this land to knights from the city of Ávila. Their job was to help new people settle and live in the area.
The place was first called Las Atalayuelas de Guadierva. Later, the king decided to change its name to Velada. Around the year 1588, Velada likely gained the special right to be called a "township." This meant it had more control over its own local government.
Velada's Famous Watermelon
One of the most important things for Velada's economy is its watermelon. These watermelons are grown without much water and are considered "ecological." This means they are grown in a natural way.
Velada watermelons are known for their great taste. Some of the largest ones can even weigh up to 30 kilograms (about 66 pounds)! They grow in a big area called "El Baldío." Farmers usually plant the watermelons between April and May.
The harvest season for these watermelons is from mid-July to mid-October. Sometimes, if the weather is good, it can even last until November. Velada's watermelons are not just sold in Spain; they are also sent to other countries.
