The Celestina Festival Comes to La Puebla from August 22 to 31

It offers theatrical performances, circus acts, exhibitions, talks, panel discussions, book presentations, a medieval market, and a tapas competition, while its designation as a Festival of National Tourist Interest is said to be “in the home stretch.”

The Celestina Festival of La Puebla de Montalbán celebrates its 27th edition from August 22 to 31, filling every corner of this town in the province of Toledo with events honoring Fernando de Rojas. The program includes theatrical performances, circus shows, exhibitions, talks, debates, and book presentations as part of the 2nd International Celestina Congress, along with a large medieval market and the annual tapas competition.

Provincial Vice President Joaquín Romera notes that the Provincial Council promotes projects that serve as cultural benchmarks, combining history, heritage, culture, and entertainment, and that—just as in this case—also act as engines of local development, fueled by the passion of all the residents of La Puebla.

The Mayor of La Puebla de Montalbán, Soledad de Frutos, invites everyone to attend the many shows and events, exhibitions, conferences, circus performances, and more, reminding that last year attendance reached 30,000 people. She points out that this year marks a generational shift in the festival’s coordination, ensuring its continuity. She also notes that they are still pursuing recognition as a Festival of National Tourist Interest, which she believes is close at hand. She stresses that the festival grows each year with new features, and that it represents a legacy left by Fernando de Rojas—one that must be cared for because it is a tribute to the town itself. Highlights this year include the opening of the Conceptionist Nuns’ archive and the second edition of the gastronomic tapas festival.

David Martín, Councillor for Culture, underscores the importance of the second academic congress this year, focused on Sephardic heritage, as Fernando de Rojas was the son of a converted Jew. It will take place on August 22 at the La Celestina Museum (with online participation available) and will feature Carmen Gómez, from the Sephardic Museum, speaking on “Converso Women in Inquisitorial Trials”; archaeologist Arturo Ruiz Taboada on “The Material Legacy of the Sephardic World”; and Ventura Leblic, from the Royal Academy, on “The Presence and Expansion of Conversos in La Puebla de Montalbán and its Surroundings.” He also recalls that the event will include the presentation of the magazine Crónica.

Playwright and organizer Luis García notes that there will be premieres of original productions in caves and courtyards, one about an illustrious local figure (next year it will be a woman), as well as short plays by Francisco de Rojas, and finally Bacanal, which he describes as pure entertainment. In addition, El Verdugo returns due to popular demand, and Rufianes will continue its run.

New coordinator Pablo Justo announces that the Celestina Award will go to actress Petra Martínez.

Source: La Tribuna de Toledo