The magical stones

Salamanca is known for what is called the Villamayor stone. This material has high levels of iron oxide. When it is first quarried it is quite malleable and easy to manipulate. However when it dries it is as durable as marble. Artisans craft this into coats of arms and décor and use it for elaborate spires and church features. Under the hands of a master stonesmason it can even be fashioned into filigree until it seems almost like silver.

The monasteries and mansions

The magical stones of Salamanca are imbued with even more romance and mystery when used as architectural elements of the mansions and monasteries. Many of these buildings have an amazing history and the tour guides can tell you about the battles, the struggles for power, and even the ghosts connected to them. Salamanca is also known for its Baroque and Renaissance architecture.

The festivals

Every February the people celebrate the Las Calendas and the Las Aguedas, as well as the Día de las Mayordomas. These are usually celebrated in the first week of the month. This is also the beginning of the canival season, but there are no fixed dates.

During Holy week the whole region is also thrown into religious celebrations. The dates vary, depending on when Easter will be held that year. Salamanca also has a unique celebration called Lunes de Aguas. This holiday honors the time the Ladies of Easy Virtue returned to the city, after being thrown out by Philip II during lent.

In June the city honors the patron saint, St. John of Sahagún. The festivities last for four days and includes feasts and dancing. On the 29th of the same month the Salamanca region also honors St. Peter and St. Paul.

In July is the much awaited Candelario, where there is much bullfighting. The novilladas is the amateur round, and revolves around the fights with the three year old bullocks and the new matadors. The encierros is the exciting running of the bulls through the streets of the city.

Then, in the middle of August is the feast of the La Ofrenda y loa de Nuestra Señora. This is when the famous mystery play is held, and the devil steps ot out of smoke and rockets.

In September people celebrate the piligrimage outing where people dress in traditional peasant clothing.