Laredo, Spain

Laredo (Spanish pronunciation: [laˈɾeðo]) is a town in the autonomous community of Cantabria, Spain. According to the 2008 census (INE), the municipality has a population of 12,648 inhabitants. In addition to Laredo, the municipality includes the villages of La Arenosa, El Callejo, Las Cárcobas, Las Casillas, La Pesquera, Tarrueza and Villante. Except from the last two, the other villages had been physically integrated into Laredo.

Laredo
Municipality and town
Panoramic view of Laredo center
Panoramic view of Laredo center
Flag of Laredo
Flag
Coat of arms of Laredo
Coat of arms
Location of Laredo
Coordinates: 43°24′52″N 3°24′36″W
CountrySpain
Autonomous communityCantabria
ProvinceCantabria
ComarcaEastern coast of Cantabria
Judicial districtLaredo
Settled757
Government
 • AlcaldeRosario Losa Martínez (2019) (PSOE)
Area
 • Total15.71 km2 (6.07 sq mi)
Elevation
5 m (16 ft)
Population
 (2018)[1]
 • Total11,148
 • Density710/km2 (1,800/sq mi)
Demonym(s)Laredano/a, pejino/a
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
39770
Dialing code942
WebsiteOfficial website

Located between the cities of Santander and Bilbao, Laredo is known in the region and nationally for "La Salvé", its 5 km long beach (7 km at high tide) and for the historic part of town dating back to Roman times. Its festivities in August are also well known due to the main event that occurs every year on the last Friday of August, known as la batalla de flores (the battle of the flowers), during which large floats entirely covered with flowers and petals are paraded along the central streets.

In Laredo (and many other cities in Spain) it is tradition for a group of men to parade a giant sardine through town at the end of carnival. At the end of this ritual, called Entierro de la Sardina ("burial of the sardine"), the sardine is burned on the beach after a fireworks display.[2]

This town gave its name to the twin cities of Laredo and Nuevo Laredo on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Economy

Economically, Laredo is based on fishing and the service sector and tourism. Laredo is considered one of the main resorts on the Cantabrian coast.[3] The local industry is based on the processing of fishery products, especially anchovies, and family businesses.

In Laredo, whose average income level is amongst the fifteen highest in Cantabria, the service sector employs over half the population (51.2%). Laredo Regional Hospital in Laredo serves the surrounding region.

Transport

Laredo is connected to Spanish transportation hubs Bilbao and Santander via Automoviles Luarca, S.A.. Bilbao is an hour to the east of Laredo, while Santander lies 40 minutes west. Madrid is a 5-hour bus journey away.

People from Laredo

Twin towns – Sister cities
  • "El Canto", old port of Laredo (1883-2006)
    "El Canto", old port of Laredo (1883-2006)
  • Works on the new port of Laredo, May 2009
    Works on the new port of Laredo, May 2009
  • Medieval walls (13th century) at the "Puebla Vieja" of Laredo
    Medieval walls (13th century) at the "Puebla Vieja" of Laredo
  • "Santa María de la Asunción" church (13th century-17th century) at the "Puebla Vieja" of Laredo
    "Santa María de la Asunción" church (13th century-17th century) at the "Puebla Vieja" of Laredo
  • "Santa María de la Asunción" interior
    "Santa María de la Asunción" interior
  • "San Martín y Santa Catalina" church (13th century)
    "San Martín y Santa Catalina" church (13th century)
  • Beach Volleyball Spanish Championship 2004 in "La Salvé" beach, Laredo
    Beach Volleyball Spanish Championship 2004 in "La Salvé" beach, Laredo
  • "El Regatón" beach
    "El Regatón" beach
  • Old town hall (1561-2008)
    Old town hall (1561-2008)
  • New town hall
    New town hall
  • Former Dr. Velasco school, nowadays used as cultural center, and in summer as cinema and main location of the University of Cantabria summer courses
    Former Dr. Velasco school, nowadays used as cultural center, and in summer as cinema and main location of the University of Cantabria summer courses
  • The Battle of Flowers festival
    The Battle of Flowers festival
  • 3 Laredos Park
    3 Laredos Park
  • Laredo's "El Ensanche" and "La Salvé" beach in the 1950s
    Laredo's "El Ensanche" and "La Salvé" beach in the 1950s

References
  1. Municipal Register of Spain 2018. National Statistics Institute.
  2. El Diario; Último adiós a la sardina en Laredo
  3. www.spain.info
  4. "Veinte años después, la villa volvió a hermanarse con la ciudad gala de Cenon" (in Spanish). es:El Diario Montañés. 2008-10-12. Retrieved 2013-03-03.
  5. "Laredo y el Campamento Dajla firman convenio de un hermanamiento de solidaridad" (in Spanish). Sahara Press Service. 2011-12-17. Archived from the original on 2013-04-13. Retrieved 2013-03-03.
  6. "LA CASA DE CULTURA ACOGERÁ MAÑANA LA PRESENTACIÓN DEL DOCUMENTAL HIJAS DE LA ESPERANZA, DE JAVIER IBARRA" (in Spanish). Laredo.es. 2011-12-15. Retrieved 2013-03-03.
  7. "Estudiantes tejanos de visita en Laredo" (in Spanish). El Diario Montañés. 2011-07-29. Retrieved 2013-03-03.
  8. Laredo, Spain Laredotexas.gov
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