√ Toro (Spain): information on the city, what to visit and what to do in Toro?

Toro

Coat of arms of Toro (Spain)

Population: ~ 10.000

Time difference to London - Time zone GMT/UTC: 1 hour (+/- changes due summertime/daylight saving)

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Toro is a small historic town full of life in the province of Zamora in the autonomous region of 'Castilla y León' in Central Spain. It lies on a natural plateau at an altitude of 739 metres (2425 feet) above the valley of the Duero.

It is reknowned for being the cradle of the Spanish kings. Some important historical events in Spanish history took place in Toro like the passing of the famous 83 laws by the Court in 1505; they laid the basis of the later Spanish civil law.

Fertile region

This fertile region grows cereals, fruit and the famous wine Tinto de Toro, which was highly appreciated in mediaeval times and was relished by Columbus. The explorer took wine from Toro to America due to its quality and the high alcoholic content which permitted storage for a long time. The town is full of monuments of great beauty like the Collegiate from the 12th C., various monasteries, palaces and churches, especially in the Moorish architecture style 'Mudejár'. Nature around the town offers visitors impressive landscapes ideal for walking, cycling, etc..

Four well-known festivals

There are four well-known festivals in each season in Toro. Three of them, the Carnival, the Easter Celebration and the Wine Festival, have the status as festivals of Regional Touristic Interest.. In winter, the carnival that has roots back to the Middle Ages is celebrated, famous even in those times. During the whole week the carnival fills the streets with music and joy, apart from the typical music bands and parody groups old traditions such as the Castilian Marriage 'Boda Castellana' survived and the 'Toresanos' show their old and colourful costumes of their ancestors for this event.

Easter procession

In spring, the Easter procession (Semana Santa) is celebrated. During this celebration, the processions, which show the suffering of Christ, pass the streets of the town, in a strict and emotional way. Many of the wooden figures are authentic works of art from the 15th Century. Along with the flowers, the people and the music they create a really attractive spectacle for tourists and locals.

San Agustín

In summer, the town tributes to the patron saint San Agustín. This celebration has a medieval origin and goes back to the so important fairs of the Middle Ages. Practically during the last two weeks of August this summer festival is celebrated. There are a large number of recreational activities, outdoor concerts, fireworks, bullfights, 'Encierros de Toro,' popular neighbourhood festivals and a large variety of creative workshops for young people and children.

Wine festival

In the autumn, the wine festival attracts tourists and wine lovers from everywhere. This five-day festival takes always place in the week of 12th October, the national holiday 'Pilar. There are wine tastings, a quick painting contest, a medieval market of great interest, and on Sunday morning the spectacular parade of old 'vintage carts'. For this reason, the old carts are decorated and the animals wear the best harness. Traditional food is shared with tourists and locals and of course followed by a sip of a red Toro wine, famous since the Middle Ages.

Cultural activities

Throughout the year, there are a lot of cultural activities such as theatre plays and concerts at the Theatre Latorre, a magnificent building dating back to the 18th Century. The cuisine is presented with a large number of bars and restaurants, where from tapas, traditional food to the modern 'Designer Cuisine' everything is available in a unique setting.

Local economy

The local economy of the town is based on agricultural products, especially wine and sheep cheese, the production of solar energy systems and cultural tourism.

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