The second vice president of the Diputación de Ciudad Real and head of the Economic and Territorial Development and Demographic Challenge Area, Sonia González Martínez, reaffirmed the provincial institution's commitment to the continuity of Legado Quijote and the Provincial Route of Quixote Values in Villanueva de la Fuente. She described these initiatives as essential for connecting the territory, promoting its heritage and natural resources, and generating new opportunities for tourism and economic development in local municipalities.
González participated in an event alongside the mayor of Villanueva de la Fuente, Luis Mendoza Salinas, which highlighted water as a key element closely linked to the town's history, identity, and economy. The route allowed participants to explore ancient mills and fulling mills located along the Villanueva River, establishing a connection between this hydraulic heritage and one of the most famous episodes from Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quijote de la Mancha.
She stressed the importance of leveraging the universal figure of Don Quijote as a means of promoting the province of Ciudad Real. González advocated for the continuation of activities that link Cervantes' work with the heritage, landscapes, traditions, and lifestyles of the region's towns. She noted that Legado Quijote serves as a tool for territorial dynamism, helping to raise awareness of numerous local resources, some of which are little known beyond their immediate surroundings.
During the event, González highlighted the historical and natural significance of the fulling mills in Villanueva de la Fuente, which have played a crucial role in the town's economic activities for centuries. She expressed satisfaction with the community's response and involvement from residents of various ages and social groups, which contributed to showcasing the town's cultural and heritage values. González thanked the mayor and the municipal government team for their collaboration, as well as local associations, particularly the retirees' group and the Folklore Association, whose participation enriched the activities.
Mayor Luis Mendoza Salinas expressed gratitude for the support from the provincial Diputación and its president, Miguel Ángel Valverde, along with vice presidents María Jesús Pelayo and Sonia González, acknowledging their commitment to local initiatives. He conveyed pride in Villanueva de la Fuente hosting a Legado Quijote event that highlights water, a resource that has historically shaped the town's economy and identity. Mendoza emphasised the strong connection between residents and this natural resource, asserting that the ancient mills and fulling mills serve as a fitting heritage link between local history and Cervantes' work.
The central activity of the day was the route titled “From the fulling mills to the galeotes, along the banks of the Villanueva River,” which began at the river's source. Participants were welcomed at 10:30 and the group departed at 11:00. The route focused on the area's historical, cultural, and environmental heritage, particularly the ancient mills and fulling mills that harnessed water for various productive activities. The visit included explanations from archaeologist and professor Ignacio Prieto, along with theatrical scenes directed by Fran Gómez and his team, recreating the atmosphere of Cervantes' adventures and aiding in the interpretation of the visited sites.
Local groups performed traditional jotas, incorporating music and popular traditions into the event. The choice of fulling mills as a central theme refers to Chapter XX of the first part of Don Quijote de la Mancha, published in 1605, where Don Quijote and Sancho Panza hear mysterious sounds at night, later discovered to be from fulling mills. Although Cervantes did not explicitly set this adventure in Villanueva de la Fuente, the presence of these facilities along the river allows for an interpretative connection to the novel and highlights the role of water in the local economy and daily life.
The day also featured sports and cognitive activities inspired by Don Quijote, aimed at all ages and families. Due to anticipated rain, these activities were relocated to the municipal pavilion instead of the initially planned Parque de los Colorines. The Legado Quijote programming began with children's activities held on the previous day, from 17:00 to 19:30, in the municipal tent, supported by the local parents' association (AMPA).
Gastronomy played a significant role in this new phase of the Provincial Route of Quixote Values. A showcooking event featuring game meat was scheduled for 20:00, accompanied by tastings of tapas and wines from Bodega Casa la Viña, closely linked to the municipality. This activity, led by Joaquín Parra, director of Wine Up, was designed for an audience of 200 and aimed to promote local agri-food products, particularly game cuisine and regional wines.
Friday's programme also included a performance by the Orquesta Cuatro at 22:30 in the municipal tent. The Diputación's schedule is complemented by proposals from the Villanueva de la Fuente Town Hall, running from 13 to 15 November, which extend the celebration across various locations in the town. Among these is the Tapas Route, available throughout the three days, which incorporates local cuisine into the activities and encourages participation from hospitality establishments. The municipal programme also includes a hiking route and a healthy breakfast on Saturday, along with family cinema, a monologue by comedian Agustín Durán, and a performance by the Orquesta Efecto Millennial.
On Sunday, sports activities and the theatrical representation “Cachitos del Siglo de Oro” by the Bojiganga group are planned, rounding off the weekend with a proposal linked to Spanish theatrical tradition. With this event in Villanueva de la Fuente, the Diputación de Ciudad Real concludes the Provincial Route of Quixote Values, an initiative that has traversed various municipalities to showcase their cultural, historical, and natural heritage through the lens of Cervantes and the universal values of his work. The provincial institution continues to promote a programme that combines culture, tourism, traditions, and citizen participation, while reinforcing the identity of municipalities, showcasing their resources, and fostering territorial cohesion in the province.
