The mayor of Jerez, María José García-Pelayo, inaugurated a roundabout dedicated to the local writer José Manuel Caballero Bonald on 11 November, coinciding with the centenary of his birth. The roundabout is located near the avenue named after him and serves as a tribute to one of Jerez's most renowned figures, a key player in contemporary Spanish literature and a cultural reference of international significance.
During the ceremony, attended by the territorial delegate for Culture, Historical Heritage and Sport of the Junta de Andalucía, Millán Alegre, municipal government members, representatives from the Caballero Bonald Foundation, and the writer's son, Alejandro Caballero Ramis, the importance of preserving and promoting the legacy of the Cervantes Prize winner was highlighted, along with his strong ties to his hometown.
As noted by García-Pelayo, the new space features a sculptural element resembling an open book, which includes one of the writer's most famous quotes: “I am only my freedom and my words.” The inclusion of olive trees in the roundabout symbolises Caballero Bonald's deep-rooted connection to his homeland, reflecting the essence of one of Spain's literary giants.
This dedication is part of the Year of Caballero Bonald, an initiative led by the Jerez City Council in collaboration with the Caballero Bonald Foundation, the writer's family, and various cultural institutions. The programme aims to promote knowledge and reading of his works, especially among young people, through literary, educational, musical, and outreach activities reaching schools, libraries, neighbourhoods, and rural areas.
García-Pelayo expressed that this dedication is one of the best gifts Jerez could offer Caballero Bonald on his centenary, providing a public space that embodies the city's affection and respect for his figure and work. She also thanked Alejandro for representing the family and acknowledged the collaboration of the involved institutions and the efforts of municipal staff in bringing this tribute to fruition.
The mayor further emphasised the significance of the sculpture presiding over the roundabout, which encapsulates one of the writer's key reflections on freedom and expression. She remarked, “It is a way to bring him into the present,” while reminding attendees of one of Caballero Bonald's enduring lessons: the defence of freedom as an essential principle of his life and work.
García-Pelayo reiterated the need for Jerez to continue celebrating its cultural icons and making their legacies accessible to new generations, stating, “Jerez wants to be a cultural city,” and stressing the importance of recognising its literary greats, such as José Manuel Caballero Bonald.
Before concluding, the mayor recalled significant milestones in the commemoration of this anniversary, including dedicating the 2026 Jerez Book Fair to the writer, events held during the Annual Meeting of Directors of the Cervantes Institute, and the recognition of his centenary as an event of exceptional public interest by the Spanish government. She also announced plans for 2027 to establish a permanent library dedicated to the author, housing around 15,000 volumes from his personal collection, and to organise a major literary congress in the last quarter of that year, described as a grand gathering of literary figures in Jerez.
Millán Alegre, the territorial delegate for Culture, Historical Heritage and Sport, underscored the importance of this tribute as a meeting point between the writer's memory and the ongoing recognition from his city, expressing his belief that “Caballero Bonald would be proud to see that his work and legacy remain alive in Jerez.” He stressed that remembrance is one of the best ways to keep the memory of individuals alive, asserting that “José Manuel Caballero Bonald will continue to be very much alive in the city of Jerez, as well as in all the places where he left his mark through his literary and personal journey.”
In a poignant moment, Alejandro Caballero reflected on the personal and familial significance of the new roundabout's location. He shared, “Arriving at this place, I couldn’t help but think of the joy my mother (Pepa Ramis) would have felt and how much my father would have loved to see that this space connects José Manuel Caballero Bonald Avenue with La Pepa Avenue. Some may call it coincidence, but I prefer to think of it as a way to keep them united forever.”
During his speech, the writer's son expressed gratitude to the Jerez City Council, the Caballero Bonald Foundation, and the workers involved in creating the roundabout, praising their excellent work. He also acknowledged the involvement of the Junta de Andalucía, the Diputación de Cádiz, the University of Cádiz, and all entities contributing to making his father's centenary a shared celebration. Alejandro Caballero concluded with warm words for the people of Jerez, highlighting the recognition and affection his father continues to evoke across diverse social spheres, noting that he often encounters expressions of appreciation when people learn he is the writer’s son.
