El Puente de Orbigio

In 1434 a Leonese knight by the name of Don Suero de Quinones found himself hopelessly in love with the lady Leonor de Tovar. A love that she did not return. Somehow, Don Suero convinced himself that if he and his friends could “defend” the Puente (bridge) at the Orbigio River by breaking 300 lances. Leonor would realize that he was the knight for her and return his love. He let the challenge be known far and near and was said to have booked 700 jousts.
He and his friends broke 166 lances, but incurred injuries so serious they couldn’t continue. Defeated, he sought penance for his failure by pilgrimage to Santiago. To this day, they have a terrific yearly festival with jousts. Everyone is dressed in Medieval costume and La Puente is adorned in banners, flags, and pennants.Read more