Velada

For the Mazatec healing ritual and vigil (Spanish: velada), see Velada (Mazatec ritual).

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
Municipality
Flag 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  (2018)[1]
• Total	2,865
• Density	20/km2 (51/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)

Name

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

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.