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Villanueva
«Villanueva de la Serena destaca por su industria y comercio.»Villanueva de la Serena stands out for its industry and commerce.
Villanueva de la Serena is in the Vegas Altas del Guadiana, four kilometres from Don Benito, with which it effectively forms a single urban centre. Born as the seat of the priory of the Order of Alcántara, it was for a long time the administrative capital of a region of pastures, now transformed by irrigation into intensive farmland.
Did you know
Perrunillas were born here.
The famous traditional sweet called 'perrunillas' was born here; these are rustic biscuits typical of the area that accompany every local festival.
How they talk in Villanueva
«Serón» appears in the traditional full name Villanueva de la Serena and distinguishes the city from many other Spanish Villanuevas. «Vegas Altas» is a daily territorial reference for agriculture and services.
acho
Hey; friend; boy, as a call or interjection. In informal speech it calls the interlocutor or introduces surprise, protest, complicity, and other reactions according to the intonation.
Everyday life in Villanueva
Two towns, one city
With Don Benito, five kilometres away, it shares a hospital, bus station and now also a vote to merge. Those who live here say the name of one or the other as one would say a neighbourhood.
«Vivo aquí y trabajo en Don Benito.» — I live here and work in Don Benito.
The «Tres Torres» in the square
The church tower, the town hall tower and the convent bell tower can be seen together from the Plaza de España, which is the place where people meet up.
The August «tomate»
Millions of kilos of industrial tomatoes are harvested here: in summer, the loaded lorries pass by at night so the cargo doesn't cook, and the noise is part of the summer.
What to eat in Villanueva
Migas extremeñas
Stale bread sautéed with garlic, bacon and peppers.
Caldereta de cordero
Lamb stewed slowly with dried peppers and wine.
Repápalos
Small dumplings made of bread, egg and milk, fried and then cooked in cinnamon milk.
Festivals in Villanueva
La Carrerita
Easter Sunday
La Virgen de la Aurora is carried at a run through the square to meet the Risen Christ: it is done three times, and each time faster.
What to see in Villanueva
Iglesia de la Asunción
The large church, Gothic with Renaissance additions, in the town square.
Plaza de España
The arcaded square in the centre, with the town hall and the statue of Pedro de Valdivia.
The Vegas Altas
The irrigated countryside around, with the Guadiana plain canals and fields of maize and tomatoes.
Where Villanueva comes from
The capital of the pastures
13th century
The Order of Alcántara
It was founded as a town of the Order of Alcántara, which made it the seat of its priory.
16th century
La Serena
Administrative centre of a region of pastures and transhumance.
1852
The city
It obtained the title of city.
20th century → today
The Vegas Altas
The irrigation of the Guadiana changed the countryside: from pasture to intensive crops.
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