The XIX edition of Ars Olea has begun in Castro del Río, a fair taking place from October 9 to 11, highlighting the municipality's artisanal, gastronomic, and heritage richness, closely linked to the figure of Miguel de Cervantes. The president of the Provincial Council of Córdoba, Salvador Fuentes, participated in the inauguration of this established event.
Fuentes emphasized that Castro del Río opens its streets, squares, castle, and museums for visitors and locals to delve into the roots and unique characteristics of the municipality. He underscored the importance of olive wood craftsmanship, furniture making, the agri-food industry with quality products, and the historical connection with Cervantes, a story that, according to the president, "we must all know".
The fair is held in the historic La Villa neighborhood and features over 40 exhibition stands. Artisans from various disciplines such as ceramics, bobbin lace, carpentry, basketry, perfumery, and jewelry are participating. The opening day included open house events at museums, the official inauguration in the Plaza de Armas del Castillo, and the presentation of the 'Honorary Artisans' award to the local Bobbin Lace Association.
The Ars Olea program includes diverse activities such as workshops on 'Natural Cosmetics', 'The Art of Weaving Nets', and 'Nest Boxes for Bats', as well as a 'Retrospective Exhibition of the International Competitions of La Rambla' at the Pósito Municipal and the street theater performance 'Cervantes and his passage through Castro del Río'.
The events on Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11, will continue with activities focused on crafts, gastronomy, and heritage. These will include traditional breakfasts, children's workshops, gastronomic tastings of Montilla-Moriles wine, street flamenco, tasting of 'Cervantine Migas', and concerts by the Coral Alfonso X el Sabio and the Music Band ‘90 years without Lorca’, with Lucía Leiva as the guest artist.
