La Charrada Festival

What is the Fiesta de La Charada?

The Fiesta de La Charada in Ciudad Rodrigo is one of the most important celebrations of Salamanca folklore. It is held annually on Holy Saturday, also known as "Saturday of Glory," and attracts numerous folk groups from the region, the province, and Portugal, becoming one of the most important ethnological showcases in the region.

Since its creation in 1980, the Fiesta de La Charada has become one of the most popular and crowded festivals in the region, declared a Regional Tourist Interest Festival.
The Plaza Mayor in Ciudad Rodrigo is the main stage of the festival, where different folk groups dressed in their best costumes gather to offer the public an authentic spectacle of traditional dances and music. Every corner of the city becomes a party, and it is common to see folk groups dancing and singing to the sound of the dulzaina and characteristic instruments of each place of origin.

In addition to being an opportunity to enjoy Salamanca folklore, the Fiesta de La Charada is also a meeting place and contact between different folk groups, which contributes to the conservation and dissemination of regional traditions.

The Fiesta de La Charada is a celebration full of color, music, and joy, representing the essence of Salamanca folklore and attracting thousands of people from all over Spain and Portugal every year.

What to see in Ciudad Rodrigo

Ciudad Rodrigo is a historic city located in the province of Salamanca. In addition to the Fiesta de La Charada, this city has numerous tourist attractions that make it worth visiting. Here are some of the most outstanding places you can see in Ciudad Rodrigo:

• Cathedral of Santa Maria: It is one of the most emblematic buildings in Ciudad Rodrigo. It is a Gothic-style cathedral dating from the 12th century, with an impressive façade and a tower over 50 meters high.
• Plaza Mayor: It is the heart of Ciudad Rodrigo, a spacious and charming square surrounded by historic buildings. In it is the Town Hall, an 18th-century Baroque-style building.
• The Wall: Ciudad Rodrigo has an impressive wall dating from the Middle Ages. This wall has several gates, towers, and bastions, and it is possible to walk along it to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
• Enrique II Castle: It is a fortress located on top of a hill dating from the 14th century. Its ruins can be visited, and spectacular views of the city and its surroundings can be enjoyed.
• The Águila Palace: It is a Renaissance palace dating from the 16th century, with an impressive façade with a large number of sculptural details.
• The War History Museum: This museum is located in the former Convent of San Francisco and has an impressive collection of objects related to the history of war in Spain.
• The Stone Bridge: It is a stone bridge dating from the 16th century that crosses the Águeda River. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the city and its surroundings.

You will discover a city full of history, culture, and charm, with numerous tourist attractions that make it a must-visit destination in the region.

What to eat in Ciudad Rodrigo

The gastronomy of this area is very varied and is characterized by the use of fresh and high-quality ingredients. Here are some typical dishes that you can try during your visit to Ciudad Rodrigo:

• Hornazo: It is a bread stuffed with chorizo, loin, and ham, which is usually eaten as an appetizer or as fast food.
• Chanfaina: It is a stew made with lamb offal, potatoes, peppers, onion, and garlic, which is served with bread.
• Roast suckling pig: It is a typical dish of Castilian gastronomy, which is prepared by roasting a whole suckling pig in the oven.
• Calderillo: It is a stew of beef or lamb with potatoes, onion, and pepper, which is cooked slowly.
• Farinato: It is a typical sausage of the area, made with breadcrumbs, paprika, and garlic, which is usually eaten fried or roasted.
• Mashed potatoes: It is a dish of boiled potatoes that are mashed and mixed with olive oil, garlic, and paprika.
• Torreznos: They are strips of fried bacon, which are served as an appetizer or as a side dish for other dishes.
• Desserts: You cannot miss trying the typical sweets of the area, such as perronillas, bollos maimones, or rice pudding.

Ciudad Rodrigo offers a wide variety of typical dishes and gastronomic products of the area, which you should not miss during your visit.