toldos

Toldos is the plural form of toldo in Spanish and Portuguese, referring to awnings, canopies, or shade structures attached to a building or storefront. A toldo may be fixed to the façade or retractable, and is typically made from fabric, canvas, vinyl, or a lightweight membrane stretched over a frame. When deployed, toldos provide sun protection, reduce glare, and extend usable outdoor spaces; they can also help moderate indoor temperatures by shading windows.

Across Iberian-influenced regions, toldos are common on homes, cafés, and markets, especially in climates with strong sun or variable rain. The term is also used more generally to describe any canopy or shelter of similar function.

It may appear as a surname or place name in some areas, though such uses are less common and not related to the architectural sense of the word.

For clarity, Toldos should not be confused with Toledot (often transliterated Toldot), the Hebrew term for "generations" and the name of a weekly Torah portion.