The Provincial Council of Ciudad Real will host the Route of Quixotic Values in Manzanares on Saturday, 7 November, as part of the Legado Quijote 2026 programme. This initiative aims to combine culture, heritage, gastronomy, music, and children's activities to engage audiences of all ages with the works of Miguel de Cervantes and to highlight the cultural and tourist resources of the province's municipalities.
The event, organised in collaboration with the Manzanares Town Hall, will take place in various representative locations throughout the town, allowing residents and visitors to explore local heritage, savour Manchego cuisine, and participate in activities inspired by the world of Don Quixote.
María Jesús Pelayo, the first vice president of the Provincial Council and head of the Sociocultural and Tourist Promotion Area, explained that the Legado Quijote initiative aims to maintain the connection between the province's towns and Cervantes' work while imparting its values to younger generations. She emphasised the importance of providing children, youth, and adults with opportunities to engage with Don Quixote in an interactive manner and to discover the cultural richness of the region.
Pelayo highlighted the essential role of collaboration with local councils in developing programmes that leverage the unique resources of each municipality. She also underscored the province's extraordinary heritage, its identity closely linked to Don Quixote, and the significance of its gastronomy as elements that, when integrated into open activities for the public and visitors, contribute to fostering cultural tourism and generating new local development opportunities.
The activities will commence at 11:00 at the Casa de Cultura Rafael Zárate Molero, featuring a children's programme called Quijote Infantil, which will run until 14:00. This initiative, aimed at younger audiences, will include a scientific-literary mission, a gymkhana, and a play area designed to introduce them to the Cervantine universe through games, experimentation, and participation.
At 12:00, a cultural and tourist route will begin from the Cheese Museum, allowing participants to discover part of Manzanares' heritage. The tour will include a theatrical performance in the courtyard of the Cheese Museum, scheduled for approximately 12:15, which will recreate elements of Cervantes' universe, adding a theatrical dimension to the visit.
The programme will continue at 12:30 in the Casa de Cultura with a sports-related activity and a musical performance featuring CU4TRO Cover Band, presented by Raquel Méndez. This way, the day will also incorporate sports and music into a cultural offering designed for diverse audiences.
Manchego cuisine will also have a prominent place in the programme. Between 12:45 and 13:30, the establishment La Bota de Oro will host a showcooking event accompanied by a tasting session, showcasing local dishes and products that reflect the culinary identity of the province and its connection to Manchego culture and traditions.
Participation in the cultural and tourist route and the showcooking requires prior registration, which can be made at the Manzanares Tourist Office or by calling 926 647 962.
This event in Manzanares continues the Route of Quixotic Values as it travels through various municipalities in Ciudad Real, following activities held in towns such as Pedro Muñoz. The next stop will be on Saturday, 14 November, in Villanueva de la Fuente, where the Legado Quijote 2026 programme will continue to promote Cervantes' legacy, encourage participation from residents and visitors, and showcase the province's diverse heritage, culture, and gastronomy.
