Chinchilla de Montearagón is set to take a step back in time as it prepares for its inaugural historical recreation event, 'Chinchilla con Sentido', on 14 November. Organised by the local council in collaboration with the Yecla Siglo de Oro Association, the event will bring together around 200 reenactors from various regions of Spain.
The presentation of this initiative took place at the Albacete Provincial Council, attended by José Antonio Gómez, the council's Environment Deputy, alongside Emilia García, the local Culture Councillor, Enrique González, president of the Yecla Siglo de Oro Association, and representatives from collaborating organisations.
During the presentation, Gómez praised the efforts of the Chinchilla council and the Yecla Siglo de Oro Association, highlighting the importance of the event in recovering and promoting local history while engaging both residents and visitors with Chinchilla's cultural heritage. He noted that historical reenactments have become a significant cultural and tourist attraction for municipalities, allowing citizens to connect with their past in a tangible way.
“They bring our history to life, moving it from the pages of books to the places where it actually happened, which is crucial,” Gómez stated. He also referenced other historical recreation experiences in the province, such as those in Almansa, Lezuza, and Carcelén, which offer educational and participatory insights into different historical periods.
Emilia García expressed her gratitude to the Albacete Provincial Council for their support, noting that the event was made possible through funding for historical recreations. She acknowledged the hard work of the Yecla Siglo de Oro Association and the local community, emphasising the project's cultural, social, and educational components aimed at raising awareness of local heritage.
Enrique González thanked the Provincial Council and the local council, stating that supporting the historical heritage of Chinchilla is vital as it is a city rich in history. He described the project as one driven by “great enthusiasm and passion”, aiming to highlight Chinchilla’s significant historical legacy.
The event will also feature the Instituto CEU de Estudios Históricos, which will film segments in Chinchilla for the documentary 'Felipe II y el Imperio en el que no se ponía el sol', set to be aired on RTVE.
Angela Alcaraz and Loli Cifuentes provided details about the day’s activities, which will include historically accurate recreations of the three main pillars of the local economy during the period: textile manufacturing, traditional pottery, and cutlery and blacksmithing. The Plaza de La Mancha will serve as the main venue, hosting demonstrations of traditional crafts, displays of textiles, noble attire, and period firearms, as well as parades, dances, and popular games from 10:00 to 19:00.
