Celebrate the
"Semana Cervantina" in Alcalá de Henares
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- English
Each
year, as
fall approaches, the alcalaínos begin their
preparations for the annual Semana Cervantina, honoring the
Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra and his world
famous novel Don Quijote de la Mancha. The two-week long
celebration takes place during the month of October in the
birthplace of Cervantes, the city of Alcalá de Henares.
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The
Semana Cervantina brings history to life as the streets of
Alcalá transform themselves into a scene from the 16th
century. Browse the Mercado del Quijote where
vendors, dressed in traditional costumes, sell artisan goods
from Cervantes' time. |
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You can sample and buy a variety of
baked goods like breads, empanadas, cookies, as well as
other traditional items such as honey, liquor, handcrafted
leather goods, dried flowers, carved wooden toys and more. |
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you finish shopping at the marketplace you will definitely
want to stroll around to see the live theatre acts that will
be happening on the street in Alcalá's historical center. You
will enjoy watching the actors as they act out scenes from Don
Quijote de la Mancha in a fun, entertaining, and modern
way. If you think you see Don Quijote and his sidekick Sancho
riding by on their donkeys, you're not dreaming. Everyday at a
certain hour the pair take a ride around Alcalá and greet
pasersby. |
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An
important event takes place on October 9th. The town of
Alcalá takes on the task of reading aloud the entire text of
"Don Quijote". A podium is set at the foot of the
statue of Miguel de Cervantes in the Plaza de Cervantes, and
people sign up to read a chapter aloud. In the morning the
characters of Don Quijote and Sancho Panza read a selection,
which results in a theatrical presentation of that particular
adventure! |
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As the protagonists continue their ride around the
Plaza, Don Quijote mounted on Rocinante and Sancho on his
donkey, citizens of Alcalá and visitors alike, both children
and adults, continue the reading of this fine piece of
literature throughout the day.
Other
activities taking place during the Semana Cervantina include a
book fair, a small film festival in local cinemas, art
expositions, and for the kids there's a petting zoo and donkey
rides.
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The
Semana Cervantina celebration is not only important for all to
remember Cervantes and his works, it is also a celebration of
the city of Alcalá de Henares allowing the alcalaínos the
chance to recreate their city as it might have appeared during
this time period. Donkeys and chickens grazing the straw
covered streets, 16th century costumes, the sights, smells,
and sounds. Each element plays an important roll in the
overall experience of the Semana Cervantina. (Don't be
surprised if you hear "old Castillian Spanish" being
spoken!)
Escuela
Internacional invites you to join us for this unique
celebration while studying at our Center in Alcalá de Henares. Study and
learn Spanish at E.I. while you discover Alcalá de Henares
and immerse yourself in art, theatre, and history.
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Escuela Internacional Central
Registration Office
C/ Talamanca, 10, 28807 Alcala de Henares (Madrid), Spain
Telephone: +34 91 883 12 64, Fax: +34 91 883 13 01
e-mail: info@escuelai.com
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