In Madrid, literature often takes to the streets (or is always out there—see the Barrio de las Letras), though it’s not so common for it to do so on horseback. In Alcalá de Henares, during its Cervantes Week, “Don Quixote” (an actor in costume who bears a striking resemblance to him) rides through the historic center of the UNESCO World Heritage city to commemorate the baptism of his creator, Miguel de Cervantes, back in 1547. Now, the festival honoring the author will be designated as a Festival of International Tourist Interest.
The designation, which will soon be published in the Official State Gazette (BOE), was announced last Tuesday by the Government Delegate for the Community of Madrid, Francisco Martín Aguirre, at the Parador in Alcalá de Henares. It represents a significant step up from the previous designation—that of Festival of National Tourist Interest—which was granted in 2018.
The next Cervantes Week will take place from October 8 to 12, 2026, during which time more than 500 cultural activities inspired by the Golden Age are expected to transform the historic center of Alcalá de Henares. According to city officials, the festivities attract more than 300,000 visitors to the town each year throughout the event.
Activities during Cervantes Week in Alcalá de Henares
One of the main attractions of Cervantes Week is the Cervantes Market, with its craft stalls and demonstrations of traditional trades. Open to all residents and visitors strolling through the town’s historic center, the market’s atmosphere is inspired by 17th-century Spain.
In addition to historical reenactments (such as jousting tournaments) and musical and theatrical performances, the festival program also includes the Antique and Secondhand Book Fair and the CervantesGastronomic Days. During the festivities, local restaurants will offer themed menus featuring a contemporary twist on the recipes mentioned by Cervantes in *Don Quixote*.
The main event will be on October 9, the anniversary of Cervantes’ baptism. The author’s baptismal certificate will be carried through the streets of Alcalá in a civic procession from City Hall to the Capilla del Oidor, where his baptismal font is still preserved. That same day, there will be a public reading of *Don Quixote* and the presentation of the City of Alcalá Awards for poetry, fiction, painting, historical research, journalism, and photography.