Daimiel is finalising preparations for the XIII edition of "Daimiel Pueblo de Brujas," a tourism initiative that combines history, nature, gastronomy, and participatory proposals throughout the weekend. Jesús Pozuelo, president of the Tablas de Daimiel Tourist Association, shared details of this year’s expanded programme during a recent appearance on Radio Daimiel, highlighting new activities aimed at attracting both local residents and visitors from the surrounding region.
Since its inception, one of the initiative's goals has been to promote off-season tourism in November, while maintaining the identity of Daimiel's witch figure and its connection to documented inquisitorial processes in the area.
The programme will kick off on Friday, 13 November, with two conferences held in the council chamber of the Town Hall. At 19:00, Carlos Pérez Fernández-Turegano will discuss the Spanish Inquisition and Daimiel as a focal point of the Holy Office. This will be followed at 20:00 by Roberto Morales Estévez, who will explore the invention of the witches' sabbath and the conspiracy of witches. Both events are free until capacity is reached.
One of the main attractions will be the nocturnal theatrical visits to the National Park of Las Tablas, which have seen particularly high demand this year. Although these slots are now fully booked, a waiting list is available in case of cancellations.
Saturday will feature many of the new activities. The Plaza de España will host the "Humedales en Resonancia" project in the morning, which includes workshops on bulrush, dialogue tables, and a collective discussion around a plant infusion cauldron. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the values of wetlands and their relationship with the lives and traditions of local inhabitants.
Another new feature will be a live Cluedo game set in the 17th century at the Civic Centre of Carmen, where participants will solve the murder of a priest through clues and conversations with various characters. The 30 available slots for this activity have already been filled, but a waiting list is also in place.
Gastronomy will again play a significant role, with themed dinners at Mesón Silver 3.0, Restaurante El Olivo, and Restaurante Taray by Miguel Jiménez, alongside the Tapas de Brujas route featuring nine participating establishments. Pozuelo expressed gratitude for the involvement of the local hospitality sector, which he believes is essential for creating a lively atmosphere and boosting economic activity throughout the weekend.
The programme will continue on Sunday with a themed visit to the National Park focusing on ethnobotany and the relationship between wetland plants and traditional knowledge. A creative workshop on goddesses and witches will also take place at the Cultural Centre, aimed at teenagers and adults, where participants will create a collective mural. Additionally, a children's storytelling session will be held on Saturday.
Pozuelo noted that visitors are coming from towns such as Ciudad Real, Alcázar de San Juan, Valdepeñas, and Tomelloso, with around 20% of attendees choosing to spend the weekend in Daimiel to coincide with the event. Interested individuals can still find availability for themed dinners and the creative workshop on goddesses and witches.
