Twinning with Alcala de Henares
Plaza de Cervantes Alcala de Henares
History
Alcala is an historic university town, which dates back to Roman
times. It is the birthplace of Katharine of Aragon, Miguel
Cervantes, author of Don Quixote and the President of the 2nd
Republic, Manuel Azana.
The Archbishop’s Palace, built in 1209 was the centre of
political and religious life in the city. Katharine of Aragon
was born here in 1485. This is also where the first meeting
between Queen Isabella and Christopher Columbus took place in 1486,
regarding plans for his grand sea faring expedition of
discovery.
During this time three communities, the Christians, Jews
and Moors lived together in harmony. During the 14th and 15th
Centuries a wall was built around the palace. Only two of the
entrances remain, the Puerta de Burgos and the Puerta de
Madrid.
The creation of the University Complutense, founded by Cardinal
Jimenez Cisneros in 1499, is often cited as the most important
event in Alcala’s history. The University became famous throughout
Europe in a very short space of time.
Alcala de Henares University
Miguel de Cervantes creator of Don Quixote was born in 1547. The
house where he was born was restored in 1955. Every year the King
and Queen of Spain come to Alcala to present the Premio de
Literatura ”Miguel de Cervantes”
In 1687 Alcala received the grand title of, “ Very noble and
very loyal city”. However, following a period of decadence during
the 18th Century, the University suffered a fall in prestige. It
closed and its buildings were sold. When the buildings started to
be demolished that the people of Alcala reacted and bought back the
buildings.
The last quarter of the 19th Century saw a slow economic, social
and cultural recovery. Though, unfortunately, a large part of
Alcala’s architectural heritage was lost during the Spanish Civil
War.
Twinning Activities
Katharine of Aragon Commemoration Service on
29th January every year. In January 2000, a special event was held
to commemorate the anniversary of Katherine of Aragon’s burial in
Peterborough Cathedral. This involved a concert at St John’s Church
performed by Coro Cervantes, who prepared a special repertoire
which told the story of Katharine’s life.
Cabezudos (big heads) and gigantes (giants) parade in
Alcala de Henares. Inspired by our Alcala's yearly
festival, this project, involved two artists from Alcala de Henares
who make the gigantes and cabezudos (giants and big heads) in
Alcala. They were assisted by the Hispanic Society of
Peterborough and worked with five local groups to produce
cabezudos of Katharine of Aragón, Anne of Cleves (Henry VIII’s
fourth wife), Mary Queen of Scots, Queen Elizabeth II, and Mother
Teresa of Calcutta. The cabezudos took part in the Peterborough
Festival Parade in 2002 and were displayed as part of an
exhibition in Central Park. The Ambassador of Spain, El Marques De
Tamaron opened the exhibition. The project was sponsored by the
Embassy of Spain and Porcelanosa with grant funding from Awards for
All.
Peterborough Highland Pipe band visit to Alcalá de
Henares in May 2003
Performed over five days in the main streets and all over the city.
The group attracted huge audiences and found people in Alcalá de
Henares to be very interested in the link with Peterborough and
Katharine of Aragon.
El Teatro del Finikito Don Quixote June
2003
A theatre group from Alcalá de Henares visited Peterborough to
perform at the Key Theatre as part of last year’s Peterborough
Festival. They also held two days of Commedia dell’Arte workshops
at Hereward Community College
Why not get involved in twinning?
If you are interested in learning more about our link with
Alcala de Henares The link is supported by the Hispanic Society of
Peterborough. Contact details: Mrs Diana Howden, Harrimans Court,
Old Knarr Fen Drove, Thorney, PE6 0RJ. email djt.howden@btinternet.com
Alcala de Henares website
http://www.ayto-alcaladehenares.es/homeenglish.asp?site_language=4
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