A weekend of fun with puppets in Monda and Cuevas del Becerro

They have made many different generations laugh. And today, they resist fading into oblivion, despite having to compete with everything that new technologies have brought. The art of puppetry refuses to be a thing of the past and demonstrates its strength with the celebration this very weekend of two thematic festivals, one in Monda and another in Cuevas del Becerro.

In this latter village, they have been committed for five years to a meeting that fills every corner of the village with puppets. The timing could not be more ideal, as it coincides with the beginning of spring, which, after the recent March rains, is splendid in terms of water abundance, at its source, at the Cao jump, or in its various springs and irrigation channels.

But, this weekend, the protagonist is indeed the art of puppetry. Many long-standing residents remember Antonio Durán Márquez, better known by nicknames like Júzcar or Zarita. He was one of the many itinerant puppeteers who made children in this and other villages in the area laugh in the first half of the 20th century.

Expand

The festival held this weekend is in some way a tribute to him and other puppet and marionette professionals who dedicated their lives to entertaining others.

Today, puppets even have a square named after them, such is the attachment and affection for this theatrical tradition.

That same urban space will serve for puppet performances that will take place over the weekend: 'El retablillo de Don Cristóbal' (company Los Claveles), by Federico García Lorca, and 'Little Red Riding Hood' (A la sombrita) on Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at noon, respectively.

The day before, in the afternoon (between 6 PM and 7 PM), at the Cinema, there will also be two puppet shows, 'The Tale of the White Butterfly', by schoolchildren, and 'Grandfather's House' (company La Rous).

During the weekend, there will also be a workshop on body puppets for adults, led by Ana Santa Cruz.

It will be an ideal weekend to enjoy not only this scenic art in a village that greatly values this tradition but also to enjoy the water, which is very present through the Carrizal and Cuevas rivers, either with the source of the former or with the springs that are part of a highly recommended itinerary through the urban center and its perimeter. Bridges, springs, an old mill, and even a waterfall are some of the landmarks that can be explored before or after the puppet shows.

Expand

Meanwhile, the village of Monda, located in the Sierra de las Nieves region, halfway between Ojén and Coín, also celebrates its own puppet festival this weekend, which will feature five shows between this Friday and Saturday.

Under the title of Titirimonda, the first performances are designed for the youngest in the village, as they will be held at the municipal nursery. Specifically, the plays 'The Little Paper Boat' and 'The Puppet Show', both performed by Piruleta Teatro.

On Friday at six in the evening, the Italian company Toni Dimondi will perform the show Kon Karma in the Church Square, after which Piruleta Teatro will conduct a children's puppet workshop.

Finally, on Saturday, the company from Castellón, La Inestable, will stage the play 'Piratelles', outdoors in the Andalucía Park at 12:30 PM. Later, in the afternoon (starting at 6:30 PM), the program of this festival will close with the performance 'Hansel and Gretel', by the company La Nube Teatro, from Almería.

Cuevas del Becerro and Monda are about 70 kilometers apart by road (more than an hour), but they can be compatible over the weekend, as they have different puppet show schedules.

What to visit

Castillo de la Villeta. Some remains of what was an important walled enclosure in this southern area of the Sierra de las Nieves region can still be seen. Today, this space has been restored as a hotel, allowing some elements of the original castle, of Andalusian origin, to be observed.

Where: Calle Villeta, in Monda.

Source. A spring where the Carrizal river, which crosses the urban center of Cuevas del Becerro, originates. The source is at its best after recent rains, like those that occurred last March.

Where: Next to the urban center.

Church of Santiago Apóstol. The main church of this village is located almost in its historical center. Like other churches in the province, it was originally built in the 16th century, although it has undergone several renovations in its history.

Where: Plaza de la Constitución

Paseo del Tilín. Next to the Cuevas river, you can take a pleasant walk in this area located in the lower part of the urban center. There, in addition to a pleasant path with lush vegetation, awaits the so-called Cao jump, a waterfall of the Carrizal river located next to an old mill and an irrigation channel.

Where: Next to the Cuevas river.

Where to eat

La Piscina. Located at one end of the urban center, almost opposite the La Tahona bakery, you can find a quaint restaurant, surprising for its menu, full of creative but also traditional dishes. The establishment is ideal for both tapas and enjoying one of its specialties, stone-grilled meats. They also stand out for their carpaccios (tuna, ox, shoulder, or salmon) and for their brandy pork cheeks. There, they also usually prepare eye-catching dishes, such as the gratin snail casserole. They also have a wide repertoire of homemade desserts, such as the sighs cake or the cheese cake.

Where: Calle Real, 43, 29470 Cuevas del Becerro. Phone 691 565 203.

Juan Sánchez. Also known as Juanillo 'el de las Papas', this establishment located in the center of Monda is known for its specialty in the typical Spanish omelette, which is advisable to reserve before going. It is also usual in season to make the traditional mondeña soup. In addition to offering a menu on weekdays, it opens at breakfast time and also for pre-arranged groups of visitors.

Where: Calle Consejo, 1, 29110 Monda. Phone: 661 403 163.

Where to stay

Castillo de Monda. This hotel, with its own restaurant, offers tranquility and great facilities both to its guests and diners. The careful decoration of its rooms, the possibility to see parts of the fortress that are not visible from the outside, or its commitment to quality in its services are some of the attractions for staying or dining there.

Where: Calle Villeta, 6, 29110 Monda. Phone: 952 459 836.

Session limit reached

Access to Premium content is open courtesy of the establishment where you are, but there are currently too many users connected at the same time.

Please try again in a few minutes.

Session closed

When logging in from a different device, for security, the last session on this one was closed.

To continue enjoying your digital subscription, please log in on this device.

Already a subscriber? Log in