On April 23, 2025, the Day of the Community was celebrated in Villalar de los Comuneros, Valladolid, marking a significant historical event that resonates deeply within the region. Approximately 1,200 people spent the night at the camp, ready to honor the legacy of the comuneros, who fought for their rights in the early 16th century. This year’s celebration took place under a sunny sky, with the weather forecast predicting clear skies and temperatures reaching a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius.
The festivities began with a sense of normalcy, as reported by Jacinto Canales, the subdelegate of the Government in Valladolid, who noted that the night passed without major incidents. Only three police reports were filed: two for drug possession and one for a vehicle lacking a valid ITV (roadworthiness test). Another individual was also under investigation for driving without points on their license.
Access to Villalar was facilitated with clear signage, and drivers were advised to use exit 189 from the A-6 highway for optimal access. If this route became congested, alternate traffic management would redirect vehicles through exit 196. For those coming from Salamanca, the A-11/N-122 was recommended.
The Day of Castilla y León has been celebrated since 1986, commemorating the Battle of Villalar, which occurred on April 23, 1521. This battle was a pivotal moment during the War of the Communities of Castilla, where comunero leaders Juan de Padilla, Juan Bravo, and Francisco Maldonado were defeated by the forces loyal to King Carlos I. Their execution the following day turned them into symbols of resistance against oppression.
As part of the day’s events, floral offerings were made at the monolith dedicated to the comuneros in the Plaza España, attended by various political and union representatives. Among them were Ana Redondo, the Minister of Equality, and Carlos Martínez, the leader of the PSOE in Castilla y León, who was attending his first Villalar celebration. However, President Alfonso Fernández Mañueco did not attend due to official mourning for the death of Pope Francis.
The celebration was expected to draw over 20,000 attendees, with parking arrangements made for more than 11,000 vehicles. The traditional Villalar manifesto was also scheduled to be read, highlighting the day’s significance in advocating for rights and freedoms.
In addition to the political and historical aspects of the celebration, the cultural scene was vibrant. Music played a central role in the festivities, with concerts held across the nine provinces of Castilla y León on the night prior to the main event. Notable performances included Marlon in Valladolid, Juan Magán in León, and Camela in Ponferrada, attracting crowds of various ages.
As the day unfolded, it became evident that the celebration was not without its controversies. The platform Stop Macroplantas y Macrogranjas de Castilla y León was present to protest against what they described as the uncontrolled imposition of biogas and industrial plants in rural areas, which they argue are detrimental to local communities.
Traffic conditions reflected the growing popularity of the event, with reports of traffic jams extending up to four kilometers on the secondary roads leading to Villalar. This surge in visitors underscores the increasing significance of the Day of Castilla y León in the regional calendar.
During the floral offering, Mayor Luis Alonso Laguna emphasized the importance of unity among the Castilian and Leonese people, urging them to set aside provincialism in favor of a collective identity. He highlighted the need to continue honoring the legacy of the comuneros and their fight for freedom and autonomy.
In a poignant tribute, four floral crowns were laid at the monolith, symbolizing respect for both the comuneros and Pope Francis. The mayor noted that while the crowns were traditionally white and purple, this year they were adorned with black ribbons to acknowledge the recent passing of the Pope, who was remembered for bringing hope to many.
The day’s events also included a solidarity march and a race organized by the Municipal Police, showcasing community spirit and participation. Hundreds of participants set off from the Millennium Cupola in Valladolid, covering routes of five and eight kilometers, further enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.
As the festivities continued, the streets of Villalar resonated with traditional jotas, a form of Castilian folk music, adding to the cultural richness of the day. The celebration was designed not only as a remembrance of historical struggles but also as a platform for contemporary issues, highlighting the ongoing fight for rights and representation in the region.
In summary, the Day of the Community in Villalar de los Comuneros on April 23, 2025, was a blend of historical commemoration, cultural celebration, and contemporary activism. With a strong turnout and a vibrant atmosphere, the event successfully honored the legacy of the comuneros while also addressing current societal concerns, embodying the spirit of unity and resilience that characterizes Castilla y León.
