Manzanares hosted the ‘Route of Quixotic Values’ event, which took place on Saturday as part of the ‘Quixote Legacy’ programme initiated by the Ciudad Real Provincial Council. This initiative aims to promote the works of Miguel de Cervantes and highlight the cultural heritage of the province.
The event was attended by Manzanares Mayor Julián Nieva and the Deputy President of the Provincial Council, María Jesús Pelayo, who emphasised the importance of institutional collaboration to enhance cultural offerings and boost tourism.
The activities kicked off in the morning at the ‘Rafael Zárate Molero’ Cultural Centre, where the ‘Quixote for Kids’ programme engaged participating children in a fun scientific-literary mission. The centre's auditorium hosted a talk on nutrition and sport led by dietitian Soledad Agüero and nutritionist Carmen Sánchez, complemented by a live performance from the Cu4tro Cover Band.
At around midday, a theatrical cultural tour commenced, taking participants through several historical sites in Manzanares, including the Manchego Cheese Museum, the Castle of Pilas Bonas, and Virgen del Carmen Street. The day concluded at La Bota de Oro with a tasting of local products, linking directly to the earlier tour and promoting the region's gastronomy as part of its cultural heritage.
These activities are part of the ‘Quixote Legacy’ programme, which is spearheaded by the Ciudad Real Provincial Council. Mayor Julián Nieva, who was present at the start of the event, highlighted the importance of disseminating the values of Cervantes' work and advocated for maintaining “institutional unity” for the benefit of the 500,000 residents of Ciudad Real province.
In this context, María Jesús Pelayo, the Deputy President of the Provincial Council and head of the Culture and Tourism department, noted that events like this contribute to consolidating the “record figures” of inland tourism achieved in the province. Pelayo emphasised that the goal of the ‘Quixote Legacy’ programme is to showcase the Manchego identity, heritage, history, and gastronomy to create economic opportunities across all regions.
