The Government of Castilla-La Mancha has emphasised the importance of culture as a tool for equality of opportunities, territorial cohesion, and revitalisation of municipalities. This statement was made during the presentation of the XIX Festival of Performing Arts in Calzada de Calatrava, which is set to return after nearly a decade, running from 6 to 22 November.
José Caro, the provincial delegate for Education, Culture and Sports, praised the cultural event and the efforts of the Calzada de Calatrava Town Hall, led by Mayor Gema García, in creating such a programme. He stated, “It is not necessary to be a large city to organise significant cultural events. What is needed is commitment, enthusiasm, organisational capacity, and a strong commitment to culture.”
The festival will feature a diverse programme over three weekends, combining theatre, music, poetry, and various artistic expressions, catering to audiences of all ages. A key highlight will be a tribute to actress Petra Martínez, who received the National Theatre Award in 2022, alongside Juan Margallo. She will present the recital ‘Hagamos un trato’, accompanied by Luis Santana.
Caro also noted the inclusion of family-friendly shows and the involvement of the Popular University, which will play a significant role in the programming and the closing theatrical performance. He remarked that “culture is not only to be observed; it is also learned, practised, and built through participation.”
Cultural policy for equality and cohesion
During his address, Caro asserted that access to culture should be guaranteed regardless of one’s place of residence. He stated, “Living in a large city or a rural municipality should not determine our opportunities to enjoy a good show, attend a theatrical performance, or discover new artistic proposals.” This perspective aligns with the cultural policies of the Government led by Emiliano García-Page, which collaborates with local councils to bring quality productions to all corners of Castilla-La Mancha, ensuring that municipalities also become spaces for cultural creation and reference.
In 2026, more than 375,700 euros will be allocated to the province of Ciudad Real, facilitating 250 performances through the Network of Performing Arts and Music of Castilla-La Mancha. Caro believes these figures reflect a cultural policy that goes beyond simply programming shows, generating opportunities for companies and professionals in the sector, boosting municipal activity, and allowing citizens to enjoy artistic proposals without having to travel to major cities.
He concluded by encouraging the residents of Calzada de Calatrava, the surrounding area, and the entire province to participate in this year’s edition. Mayor Gema García, accompanied by Culture Councillor Isabel García, highlighted the Town Hall’s commitment to a festival that aims to “bring smiles, which we know is what our audience loves most.” She noted that humour will be a central theme of this year’s festival.
Furthermore, García described the cultural event as a catalyst against depopulation, revitalising the town during the autumn, a particularly challenging time for local commerce and hospitality. She expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, which enables small municipalities to offer quality cultural programming. “Without the Theatre Network of the Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha and various lines of funding, such as cultural activities in non-urban areas, it would be impossible for small towns like Calzada de Calatrava to provide the quality we offer year after year,” she concluded.
