Cervantes Week of Alcalá de Henares
Cervantes Week turns the historic centre of Alcalá de Henares into a great citizen tribute to Miguel de Cervantes. Culture, historical recreation and popular participation come together around the anniversary of his baptism in the city.
Celebration date
It is usually celebrated around 9 October, date of Miguel de Cervantes' baptism in 1547. The City Council sets the specific duration of the Cervantino Market and the rest of the events in each edition, so the dates must be checked in the official programming.
9 October in itself is not a general public holiday in Alcalá de Henares: the holiday has a cultural and tourist character, regardless of the work calendar approved each year.
Venue
The main stage is the historic centre of Complutense. Plaza de Cervantes, Calle Mayor, Plaza de los Santos Ninos and nearby streets and squares host stalls, shows and tours. The civic procession joins the Town Hall with the Oidor Chapel, where the baptismal font linked to Cervantes is preserved.
Also check out the festivals of Alcalá de Henares.
Origin and history
The celebration is born from the biographical link between Alcalá and Cervantes, baptized on 9 October 1547 in the old church of Santa María. The commemoration articulates literary, historical and festive activities to bring his work and the atmosphere of the Golden Age to neighbors and visitors.
The Secretary of State for Tourism granted the Cervantina Week the title of Festival of National Tourist Interest in March 2018.
Mercado Cervantino
The Cervantino Market occupies a good part of the historic centre with crafts, gastronomy, traditional trades and atmosphere inspired by the 16th and 17th centuries. Its programming usually brings together street theater, music, dance, parades, parades, fairs, games and workshops. The contents, times and exact locations change in each edition.
El día grande cervantino
- Civic procession of the baptismal party from the Town Hall to the Oidor Chapel.
- Public exhibition of the historical document during the commemoration.
- Lectura popular de Don Quixote of La Mancha in the historic centre.
- Presentation of the City of Alcalá Awards in different cultural disciplines.
Quién organiza y quién participa
The Alcalá de Henares City Council promotes the celebration and coordinates activities with cultural institutions, artistic companies, artisans, merchants and associations. Neighbors, schoolchildren, readers and visitors participate in both the commemorative events and the street programming.