The cities of Coria and Moraleja are set to host three days dedicated to literature and poetry with the inauguration of the 'Pureza Canelo' literary classroom, a new cultural space aimed at bringing literary creation closer to the public, promoting reading, and fostering connections between writers, readers, and younger generations.
Renowned poet Pureza Canelo, born in Moraleja, will be present at the inaugural events, which will take place from 11 to 13 November. Canelo is a prominent figure in contemporary Spanish poetry, recognised with several prestigious awards, including the Adonáis Prize and the Medal of Extremadura.
Inaugural events schedule
The programme will kick off on 11 November in Coria, with an open meeting for the public scheduled for 19:30 in the Town Hall's Plenary Hall. This will provide an opportunity for attendees to engage with the author and learn more about her poetic universe.
On 12 November, activities will move to Moraleja, where Canelo will hold a double session. In the morning, she will meet with students at IES Jálama, encouraging young people to connect with poetry through direct dialogue. In the afternoon, a session open to Moraleja residents will allow them to celebrate literature and discover more about the poet's work.
The programme will conclude on 13 November in Coria, focusing on students from the local secondary schools, IES Alagón and IES Caurium. This will offer students a chance to interact with the poet and explore literature and poetry in an engaging manner.
A shared cultural initiative
The 'Pureza Canelo' literary classroom is part of the network of literary classrooms in Extremadura, a project initiated by the Association of Writers of Extremadura (AEEX) that has been promoting literature in educational centres and the community since 1993. This new classroom represents an expansion of the network into the northern part of Cáceres province and is particularly significant as it is the first classroom named after a woman and the first to honour a living writer.
Each academic year, the classroom will feature four esteemed authors from the national and international literary scene. The programme will include morning sessions with secondary school students and afternoon activities open to the public, thereby bridging literature across different generations.
The establishment of this shared literary classroom reflects the commitment of Coria and Moraleja to cultural cooperation, reading promotion, and the creation of new spaces for dialogue and thought. This initiative aims to extend the reach of literature beyond major urban centres and make poetry a focal point for the entire region.
Both town councils invite the public to participate in the inaugural events and to join Pureza Canelo in launching this new cultural project, which aspires to establish a lasting presence of literature in the cultural life of both towns.