This Spanish Life

Out and about on my bike in the old town of Estepona last week I noticed some interesting plaques on the walls along one of the beautifully quaint little streets. Continuing along the street I saw a few more and carried on my way until eventually I came to a small, narrow and very steep square, signposted as the Plaza de Manuel Alcántara. The square itself is very pretty and has some fountains in the centre which run along the middle of it. I took some photos of the square and plaques, struggling to keep hold of my bike which was trying its best to roll down the steep hill while I was doing my best not to drop my camera! I think the passing pedestrians found my clumsy efforts rather amusing to watch! 

On returning home I looked up some information about the Plaza de Manuel Alcántara. Now one of the things I love most about Estepona is that there are always new things to stumble upon and explore and today was no exception. I hadn't previously been aware of the ‘Ruta de la Poesia’ but it turns out that the plaques I had seen are a significant part of it. They contain extracts from the poems of Manuel Alcántara and I also read that a few other poets have plaques on this Poetry Route too. Something to look out for next time I am out and about on my bike! 

The square, inaugurated in September 2013 to celebrate the life and work of the poet who is from Málaga is another improvement implemented by the Mayor of Estepona, José María García Urbano. Manuel Alcántara, now in his 80s was present at the inaugural ceremony and it was reported that he felt very emotional and honoured by this dedication. The Mayor responded with the words,"Si hay un malagueño que se merece el reconocimiento público que conlleva denominar con su nombre una plaza pública de nuestro municipio, ese es, sin lugar a dudas, Manuel Alcántara". 

The square is well worth a visit if you are in Estepona. It is located at the intersection of Calle Botica and Calle Sirena.