LateRooms.com - Celebrate the end of Lent in Salamanca

February 27, 2010 (PRLEAP.COM) Travel News
LateRooms.com highlights anyone who enjoys seeing cultural events during their holidays should think about booking hotels in Salamanca as Lent draws to a close.

The Spanish city holds its own celebration to mark the end of Lent and the Easter period.

Falling on the first Monday after Easter, Lunes de Aguas - or Water Monday - offers locals and tourists the chance to enjoy their post-Lent freedom.

Hundreds of people gather on the banks of the Duero River to have a picnic with traditional food such as hornazo pie, which is a pastry dish filled with Spanish cured meats and boiled eggs.

According to WhatSalamanca.com, the event has an unusual history dating back to the 16th century.

The website explained that, in days gone by, Salamanca had a notorious red light district. King Felipe II banished the women from this part of town to the other side of the river during Lent and the parties which ensued when they returned on Lunes de Aguas are still marked by locals in the city today.

"LateRooms anticipates heavy demand for hoteles en Salamanca due to the Lunes de Aguas celebrations and recommends that people attending book their accommodation early," says LateRooms head of marketing Jess Reading.