Marking the centenary

I don’t need to remind you that 2010 marks the centenary of the birth of Miguel Hernández (October 30, 1910-March 28, 1942). As you already know, Hernández was one of Spain’s most prominent and important poets and playwrights of the 20th century.

To mark this occasion, Orihuela has organised a programme of over 500 events scheduled to take place during this special year. Members of all the associations involved in creating the activity programme were present at the official presentation of the events, including several Mayors of the Vega Baja area, representatives of cultural foundation Miguel Hernández, councillors of the Orihuela and Elche Town Halls, and the director of the Spanish Commission for the Year of Miguel Hernández.

The event was introduced by well known Spanish writer and journalist Fernando Sánchez Dragó, with the voice of Soprano Lola Montenegro singing the poet´s verses. Many Orihuela residents and visitors attended the presentation, which took place in Orihuela´s historic school of Santo Domingo, where the poet studied as a child.

Orihuela will host several concerts in 2010, including shows by Joan Manuel Serrat, Luis Eduardo Aute, Pablo Milanés, Jose Mercé, Antonio Orozco and a special live show by the famous Spanish singer, Alejandro Sanz.

Other events marking this anniversary will be a show by La Fura dels Baus theatre company, the 5th International Music Forum “Ciudad de Orihuela”, the International Congress on Miguel Hernández, and the Cinema Festival “El Cine de Miguel”.

Also, the Spanish Cycling Tour 2010 will go through Orihuela. There will be theatre plays for children and a poetry contest for children, as well as cultural routes across the city.