Thousands have lined the streets of Valladolid to honour one of Donegal’s most famous historical figures.
Red Hugh O’Donnell died just 10km away from the city in the town of Simancas in 1602, while on a mission to meet the King of Spain and plead for his support in fighting the British army in Ireland.
While there is no historical evidence to show that Red Hugh ever made it to Valladolid, which was the capital of Spain at the time – the links between the Valladolid region and Donegal have remained strong over time due to it being the place of his death.
Image credit: Ayuntamiento de Valladolid
On Friday evening, thousands lined the streets of the historical city for a re-enactment of Red Hugh’s funeral – which has become an annual event.
It’s believed that Spanish King Philip II was so affected by the death of Red Hugh that he arranged a funeral fit for a king after his passing, the re-enactment full of all of the pomp and circumstance that would have been present at the time over 400 years ago.
Image credit: Ayuntamiento de Valladolid
The Irish tricolour was also displayed on the Valladolid City Hall, with Eddie Crawford of the Red Hugh O’Donnell Association carrying the flag through the procession.
