The Cervantina Week
The Cervantina Week is a traditional celebration that takes place in the city of Alcalá de Henares in Madrid and where a special tribute is paid to one of the most important characters in Spain such as the writer Miguel de Cervantes and to all his vast literary work.
Considered by many art critics as one of the most widely read men in the world thanks to his masterful book "Don Quijote de la Mancha".
¿What is the origin of this festivity?
The Cervantina Week has been held for some years to celebrate the baptism of one of the most emblematic and representative writers not only in Spain but around the world, thanks to his great literary legacy.
Due to the approach of his birth that occurred on September 29th, 1547, all the inhabitants of Alcalá de Henares gather for a full week to pay a special tribute to this important literary celebrity. For the year 2020 this event is planned from October 3rd until the 11th of the same month.
¿What does this special tribute to Miguel de Cervantes consist of?
It is a true party, full of art, literature, gastronomy and many other activities to pay a special and well-deserved tribute to one of the most important and famous men in the world of literature known as Miguel de Cervantes and who is the author of one of the most representative and universal works of literature such as "Quijote de la Mancha".
A large crowd gathers in the streets and in the so-called Corral de las Comedias to participate in the reading of this masterful literary work. In addition, contests and awards are organized for the best works of painting, poetry and research works.
Other events that attract the attention of the spectators are the stagings of the time in which the writer lived, all this organized in the popular "Mercado Cervantino", a medieval market, where people dressed in very colorful costumes parade, representing the culture Spanish of the so-called golden century.
On the other hand, the entire city is covered with merchants, who offer the most varied products with an exquisite gastronomy, sale of handicrafts, drinks, perfume stands and esoteric shops, all set to the time. You can also see outdoor representations of puppets, jesters accompanied by Renaissance or Baroque music, which make the stay something truly unique and unforgettable.
¿What to do and what places to visit in Alcalá de Henares?
When you visit Madrid, you should not miss to the town of Alcalá de Henares, a place that saw the birth of Cervantes, one of the most prolific and representative writers of universal literature. Also it was declared as one of the 25 World Heritage cities.
Here you can see the birth house of Miguel de Cervantes, today transformed into a museum, and the prestigious University of Alcala de Henares which evokes the Renaissance period. Another obligatory site to visit is the Don Quijote and Sancho Panza Monument, a true icon of the region.
Another very interesting place is the so-called "Corral de Comedias", a small and picturesque theater, it has stone capitals and an old well. In the place you can see chapels and you cannot miss the Calle Mayor which dates from the 12th century, where the visitor can find an excellent place to visit shops, stores and take some souvenirs, as well as some bars and restaurants to taste the best gastronomy of Alcalá de Henares.
