The city of Sevilla has taken the first step towards commemorating the centenary of the Generation of '27, which will be celebrated next year. The City Council, in collaboration with the Academy of Fine Arts and other entities, inaugurated this Monday the first element of the future "poets' route" on the central Tetuán Street. This street, which housed the former headquarters of the Ateneo, will be transformed into a literary and emotional journey through bronze plaques installed on the ground. The first name to be immortalized was that of Ignacio Sánchez Mejías, a key figure of the historic group.
During the inaugural ceremony, the mayor of Sevilla, José Luis Sanz, emphasized the intellectual importance of Sánchez Mejías, recalling his role in convening the tribute to Luis de Góngora at his estate in Pino Montano. The mayor stressed Sánchez Mejías's facets as an author, playwright, and poet, beyond his recognized bullfighting career.
“"There is no doubt that Ignacio's figure was fundamental in bringing together the Generation of '27 and making possible what we all know today; it is only fair to recognize it."
Antonio Ruiz de Alda Sánchez Mejías, great-grandson of Ignacio Sánchez Mejías, expressed his satisfaction with the institutional recognition of his ancestor's figure. He announced that the City Council has initiated discussions to organize future commemorative events at the historic family home in Pino Montano, emphasizing the importance of the family feeling comfortable integrating the property into the centenary's agenda.
The development of this literary street involves the participation of Sevillian civil society, which is sponsoring the various inscriptions. In the coming months, the Faculty of Law will sponsor the plaque for Luis Cernuda, and the Menéndez Pelayo International University will support that of Pedro Salinas. The legal world will also be represented with the sponsorship of the College of Court Clerks for Jorge Guillén and the Bar Association for Vicente Aleixandre.
The city's brotherhoods will also play an active role: El Valle will honor Adriano del Valle, La Soledad de San Lorenzo will honor Joaquín Romero Murube, Las Penas will honor Alejandro Collantes de Terán, and El Calvario will honor Juan Sierra. Other entities such as the Círculo Mercantil will commemorate Rafael Laffón, while Joaquín Moeckel, Casa Román, and the Peña de los Cuarenta will fund the dedications to Federico García Lorca, Dámaso Alonso, and Fernando Villalón, respectively.
