La velada...

Question

Hola,¡Nunca había oído la palabra 'velada' hasta ahora! Nunca sabía que había otra palabra para 'la tarde' o 'la noche'. ¿Hay una diferencia entre velada y tarde? ¿Podemos usar las dos?Gracias

Accepted Answer

Hola Clara
the word velada is a bit more than "la noche" - it refers to a nice event happening normally at night, this being a concert, some dancing, reciting poetry... this kind of event, or even just a gathering with friends.  So it means "an event happening at night". Some sentences including velada could be:

Hemos pasado una velada muy agradable en los Jardines de Murillo.
Desafortunadamente, la lluvia estropeó la velada y todo terminó antes de lo previsto.
Al final de la velada, como broche final, el pianista tocó una pieza extraordinaria.

As an extra note, in Andalucía, in summer we used to have "la velá del barrio" (velá comes from velada) These were the events that were organised in the summer holidays for about a week, where the "comité del barrio" (a few parents/adults who led the event) organised a series of acts, dance and music competitions for children, etc where everybody could take part and there was a big wooden platform in the middle of the barrio and everything was performed on top of that platform. The events were mainly in the evening and finished late at night (quite a lot of noise for neighbours who weren't so keen to join in). As a kid you were allowed to go out and stay out late with your friends as everybody was out in the "velá" and it was very safe. It was definitely the highlight of the long boring summer holidays for me and my friends in Seville.  I'm not sure these events are happening so much nowadays (people are too busy to organise this I guess) and it's a pity. 
Inma

Answer

Clara - My CLAVE Diccionario implies that 'velada' is sometimes used when a specific event has been organised: i.e. it says it is "una reunión nocturna para entretenerse". For example, it often refers to "una fiesta musical, literaria, o deportiva que se celebra por la noche"... Regards and good wishes, David M

Answer

Inma,Thank you so much for this reply! It explains this word perfectly. I had a feeling that the meaning was more specific. I love what you've shared regarding your "velá". It certainly is a pity that they no longer happen. They must have been so much fun! I found this:'Triana was always a special part of Seville due to its history and culture. The most famous and colorful festivity of this district is the Velá de Santa Ana. It started in the 17th century and remains popular to this day. Celebrations start on July 21 on Santa Ana and last until July 26 right after the Santiago day. Passionate dances, music, and specialties of the popular Sevillian cuisine await visitors here'.Gracias Inma y saludos

Answer

David, thank you for your reply. I really appreciate it and it explains the meaning perfectly. I had a feeling that it had a more specific meaning. Thanks so much.SaludosClara