Pingüinos, motorcycle rally in Valladolid
The second weekend of January, Pingüinos takes place in Valladolid, one of the most important motorcycle rallies in Europe. A fantastic event in which motorbike lovers from all over the world come together to enjoy good music, excursions, trophy presentations, food and drinks, under demanding weather conditions. A very different event from other rallies of this kind.
What are you going to find at the Pingüinos motorcycle rally?
Pingüinos is the number one winter motorcycle rally in Spain, maybe in the continent. It holds a Guinness Record for having formed the longest line of motorbikes in 1990. An event that has become a tradition, thanks to the efforts of the Club Turismoto, for more than 40 years.
This rally offers 4 days of fun, with different events and activities for both participants and spectators. Among them are the Great New Year's Eve and New Year's Eve Pingüinero Party. The impressive Parade of Flags, made up of thousands of motorbikes. The Torchlight Parade, a tribute to motorcyclists who have died in accidents.
But, apart from these activities, during this rally all attendees will be able to enjoy musical events filled with emotion, joy and a toast to the good wishes of motorcyclists for the year ahead. Excursions and adventures to different parts of the province.
The crowning glory will be the presentation of the Pingüinos de Oro and Honor awards, given to riders and professional motorcyclists.
Why is the Pingüinos motorcycle rally held?
The Turismoto Club was created during the winter of 1981, with a clear objective: to break with the tradition that motorbike rallies can only take place during the summer.
They decided to convene in March 1982, only true two-wheeled warriors, those who use their motorbikes all year round. 320 bikers gathered in a pine forest next to the Duero.
They shared a bonfire, food and wine, a real challenge in the low temperatures, with a very heavy leather clothing, which made them feel identified with the penguins, hence the name of the rally.
Since then, on the second weekend of January, after Epiphany, this meeting has been taking place, with an increasing number of attendees, ready to break the stereotypes.
What else to see in Valladolid if you go to Pingüinos
Valladolid has wonderful places and museums that tell the history of this town, so we invite you to visit some of these points of interest of this beautiful city.
- Plaza Mayor: it is located in the heart of Valladolid, without a doubt, one of the places you must visit. Besides, you will have easy access to other tourist attractions, such as the City Hall, the statue of Count Ansúrez and the Zorrilla Theatre, as well as some terraces perfect to have a drink during your walk.
- Church of San Benito: it belongs to a monastery, with an impressive façade from the early 16th century. If you are passionate about architecture, you will be delighted with the details of this church.
- The Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Valladolid: it is known as La Inconclusa (The Unfinished), because it was not possible to complete its construction due to its large-scale work and some economic problems.
- Ruta de pinchos: take a stroll along Calle de Correos and its surroundings, where you will find taverns and restaurants where you can try delicious pinchos and the best tapas, in a pleasant atmosphere.
Vallisoletan Gastronomy
The gastronomy of this beautiful picturesque town is made up of very fresh vegetables, which are harvested from its orchards, apart from offering juicy and delicious meats, suitable even for the low temperatures present during the Pingüinos, a motorbike rally in Valladolid. Try these typical local dishes and you won't regret it!
- Garlic soup: also known as Castilian soup. Some of its ingredients are bread, garlic, egg and ham. It should be eaten very hot.
- Roast suckling lamb: made with suckling lamb, very tender, white and exquisite. It looks very toasted on the outside, but when you slide the knife, your mouth will water with this juicy meat.
- Tapas: in Valladolid you can find many places to go for tapas, try the traditional flavours and some new ones.
- Mantecado de portillo: it is an elliptical shaped bun, which is kneaded with lard, and covered with a generous layer of sugar, which gives it its characteristic white colour.
