During this month alone, Hoyo de Manzanares returns to its origins through the “Visigothic November” festival. In its eighth edition, this event combines shows, gastronomy and workshops to pay tribute to the Visigothic past of the municipality.
From November 7 to 30, both residents and visitors will be able to immerse themselves in Visigothic Spain and learn how the inhabitants of the area lived, highlighting the heritage and identity of the municipality .
A journey of more than 1500 years
The archaeological site of La Cabilda houses the remains of the first settlements in Hoyo de Manzanares and will play a fundamental role in the “Visigoth November”. It will be the setting for many of the activities, such as guided tours and historical recreations.
On the weekend of November 8 and 9, several actors will step into the shoes of the ancient Visigoths in a historical play. Admission will be free and the public will be able to learn how the warriors and merchants who inhabited the area lived.
In addition, local archaeologists will be guiding the free visits to La Cabilda that same weekend, making their knowledge available to the public. Later, on Saturday, November 15, the religious remains and the necropolis of the Rebollar site will allow visitors to learn about the Visigothic people’s conceptions of death and faith.
Humor and local gastronomy
Another way to approach history is through humor, with the premiere of El Visigodo, a monologue written and performed by Jaime Bauzá, which can be seen on November 29 at the municipal theater Las Cigüeñas.
With an acid and casual tone, the play reflects on the passage of time and changes in customs from the sixth century to the present. The performance will begin at 8:00 p.m. and tickets can already be booked on the website.
Continuing with local talent, the different bars and restaurants of Hoyo de Manzanares will offer their best tapas, dishes and sweets that reflect the gastronomy of the sierra. Highlights include local and seasonal products such as honey, mushrooms, legumes, nuts, aromatic herbs or game meat.
Workshops, gymkhanas and lots of mushrooms.
The “Visigoth November” program includes activities for everyone. Mushrooms will have special prominence through the cooking workshop and tasting of mycological dishes on November 7 and the mushroom cultivation workshop on November 23.
The tastings will continue with the Monti gin tasting and the wine tasting by Raúl Calvo, on November 28 and 29, respectively. Timetables and locations for all the activities can be consulted on the official website.
The little ones will be able to learn how to make their own baskets, identify animal tracks and even dress up as Visigoths. And on the 22nd will be the great Visigothic gymkhana, with 8 different tests related to history, culture and local traditions.