The La Ponseca bridge, located between the municipalities of Villar de Corneja and La Horcajada, has celebrated its historical significance with the event 'From Laredo to Yuste: The Last Journey of 1556'. This recreation marks the passage of Emperor Carlos I and V of Germany through the Ávila region on his way to the monastery of Yuste.
Approximately 500 attendees, including 140 participants dressed in period costumes, gathered to witness this event organised by the Cultural Association La Ponseca, sponsored by the Provincial Council, and in collaboration with the La Horcajada Town Hall. The provincial deputy for the Piedrahíta-Barco-Gredos area, Pilar Araoz, and La Horcajada's mayor, Vicente López, were present to support the celebration, which aims to combine history, culture, and tourism around a significant episode in the municipality's past.
Held from 6 to 8 November, the event offered a glimpse into 16th-century society through a programme of parades, historical reenactments, lectures, music, workshops, and gastronomy. The public's enthusiastic response highlighted the initiative's goal of educating attendees about both the figure of the king and the customs and daily life of the Renaissance period.
The Provincial Council of Ávila has supported this activity with a €3,000 grant to the Cultural Association La Ponseca, contributing to the organisation of a celebration that promotes local heritage and brings history to life through recreation. This collaboration, alongside the work of La Ponseca and the financial backing of the provincial institution, places the municipality and the bridge at the heart of this historical journey.
The attention to detail in the historical setting and period costumes reflects the organisers' commitment to accuracy and documentation. The journey of Carlos I towards his retirement in Yuste in 1556 serves as the central theme of this celebration, providing La Horcajada with an opportunity to share its heritage and engage both locals and visitors in the history connecting the municipality to the monarch's final journey.
