Valdepeñas has unveiled a series of cultural activities to commemorate All Saints' Day, running from 23 October to 1 November. The programme aims to engage both locals and visitors in discovering the city's rich history, heritage, and traditions.
Vanessa Irla, the Deputy Mayor for Culture, highlighted that the initiative includes guided tours, historical routes, children's storytelling, and educational activities. She stated, “The programme invites residents and visitors to explore the history, heritage, legends, and traditions of the city from a cultural and participatory perspective.”
Programme details
The activities will kick off on 23 October at 16:30 with a guided tour titled History and heritage of the municipal cemetery of Nuestra Señora de Consolación, which will also take place on 25 October at 11:00. These tours will provide insights into the historical and artistic significance of the cemetery, established in 1903, and its notable figures. The capacity for these tours is limited to 30 participants.
On 24 October at 17:00, a new route will be introduced, focusing on the life and legacy of Mother Cándida de San Agustín, departing from Plaza de España. This tour commemorates the 150th anniversary of her remains being brought to the city and highlights her contributions to education and social issues, particularly for girls.
The programme continues on 27 October at 19:00 with a children’s activity titled Santos, sustos y muchas risas, led by Carmen Lara. Aimed at children aged 3 to 7, this session will feature stories, humour, and curiosities related to All Saints' Day traditions.
On 28 and 29 October at 19:00, the Black Chronicle of Valdepeñas route will explore historical crimes and events from the Inquisition to the early 20th century, also limited to 30 participants. Additionally, on 29 October at 19:00, the Municipal Museum will host a guided tour titled The eternity of the face, linked to the exhibition Faces of Time: Ways of Representing Ourselves in the Valdepeñas Collection.
On 30 October, the Ana de Castro Municipal Library will introduce a special interest centre titled The last page: stories to face the end of life, featuring a selection of books and films addressing themes of death and reflection, available throughout November.
Visiting Casa de los Izarra
One of the highlights of the programme is the reopening of the Casa de los Izarra on 31 October, with tours every half hour from 09:30 to 13:30 and again in the afternoon from 17:00 to 18:30. These tours will continue on 1 November from 11:00 to 13:30. Participants will learn about the unique architecture of this historic house and the Izarra family's role in Valdepeñas' economic and urban development, with a capacity of 40 people.
The programme will conclude on 1 November with the Noche de los Finaos, hosted by Raigambre at the Museum of the Mills of Gregorio Prieto and the City of Valdepeñas. This event will revive local traditions through stories about the deceased and past events, featuring three children's sessions starting at 18:00 and adult sessions from 19:00 to 21:00, with groups of up to 25 people.
Reservations for activities requiring prior registration can be made at the Valdepeñas Tourist Office, with limited spots available for some events.
