First Landing of Charles V

On September 19, 1517, the young Prince Charles of Habsburg, who would become Emperor Charles V and the most powerful man on Earth at that time, disembarked in Tazones with his court, unplanned and driven by the adverse sea conditions at that moment. The young Flemish prince, son of Joanna the Mad and Philip the Handsome, had a unique reception from the humble fishing village that was this seaside town five hundred years ago.

At first, they mistook him for a pirate...

Once his royal presence was identified, everything changed, and the villagers showered the young emperor with attention. He was captivated by the hospitality of the people and the beauty of the land he had arrived in.

Soon, this casual and unexpected arrival turned into a celebration...

Since there was no place to accommodate so many noble guests, the emperor decided to stay in Villaviciosa, where he remained for three days.

This curious anecdote has given rise to the Festival of the Landing of Charles V, celebrated for several decades, which takes place on the first day in Tazones and the following day in Villaviciosa. It enjoys great popular participation, with many people dressing in period costumes, and hundreds of visitors observe the entire historic scene attentively. An event that has earned the municipality of Villaviciosa the inclusion in the Cultural Itinerary of the Council of Europe's "European Routes of Emperor Charles V."

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