A Spanish city came to a standstill in honour of Red Hugh O’Donnell, an Irish clan leader who died more than 400 years ago. The streets of Valladolid filled with thousands of onlookers on September 13th and 14th, as an elaborate re-enactment of O’Donnell’s funeral was held, continuing a tradition that began in 2022.

Red Hugh O’Donnell, the chieftain of the O’Donnell Clan, was a central figure in Irish history. He led the Nine Years’ War, joining forces with Hugh O’Neill, the Earl of Tyrone, in a bid to drive the English out of Ireland. With support from Spanish forces, O’Donnell fought at the Battle of Kinsale in 1601, one of Ireland’s most significant battles. Unfortunately, the battle ended in a devastating defeat for the Irish-Spanish alliance, resulting in Red Hugh’s journey to Spain in search of further support from King Philip III.

While in Spain, Red Hugh fell ill, with some speculating he was poisoned by a British agent. He passed away in 1602 and was given a royal burial in Valladolid at the Chapel of Marvels, a resting place usually reserved for Spain’s nobility.

In 2020, Spanish archaeologists began a search for Red Hugh’s remains near a Santander bank in Valladolid, where the old chapel once stood. While the search was unsuccessful, the fascination with Red Hugh’s legacy continued to grow.

In 2024, the streets of Valladolid once again echoed with the sound of bagpipes, as the empty coffin representing Red Hugh O’Donnell was carried through the city in a horse-drawn carriage, flanked by torchbearers in period costume. The ceremony was organised by the Hispano-Irish Association, with its president Carlos Burgos saying: “The king of Spain wanted to give him a royal funeral, so that’s what we tried to remember.” 

He added that Valladolid people have taken Red Hugh into their hearts as a “true hero”.

Plans are also underway to formally twin Red Hugh’s hometown of Lifford in County Donegal, Ireland, with Simancas, Spain. The twinning project is expected to strengthen cultural ties between the two towns and further commemorate Red Hugh’s lasting impact.

Red Hugh’s re-enacted funeral has become a major event in Valladolid, drawing interest from both Spanish locals and international visitors alike. Burgos hopes that more Irish people will visit Valladolid in the future to experience the commemoration of their national hero. 

Red Hugh was born in Lifford, County Donegal, in 1572 and died in Simancas, Spain, in 1602. Plans are underway to twin the two towns. Lifford celebrates Red Hugh’s birthday each year on October 30th.

The brave clan chieftain’s legacy continues to resonate across Europe.


Pictures: Red Hugh O’Donnell’s funeral reenactment in Valladolid, Spain. Credit: facebook.com/hispanoirish