Almudena Cros, President of the AABI Spanish Interenational Brigades friendship group, writes from Madrid…
As time approaches and details are being finalised, here is a reminder of the programme, which includes a change. We have decided to visit Guadalajara instead of Jarama due to requests from visitors and the fact that we will already be holding a major event in Jarama next February.
October 22: Unveiling of monument to the International Brigades in Gare d’Austerlitz, Paris.
October 23: Departure from Paris (everybody organises their own travel) and arrival in Benicássim. Night in Benicássim.
October 24: Event in Benicássim (unveiling a monument likely). Unveiling of plaque in the International Brigade hospital (now Hotel Voramar). Visit to cemetery, film screening, visiting villas where Brigaders recovered. Night in Benicassim.
October 25: Departure from Benicássim to Albacete. Arrival in Albacete and reception at the Diputación (provincial hall) at 19:00h. Night in Albacete.
October 26: Departure at 9:00h from Albacete to Madrigueras. Reception at the local Town Hall at 10:30h. Morning snack at 11:45h, followed by guided visit at 12:30h of sites related to the Brigaders in the village, led by Pepe Tendero. Leave Madrigueras at 13:30h for Albacete. At 18:00h visit to exhibition ‘The Brigaders in our memory and our heart’. At 20:00h theatre play on the International Brigades at the EA Theatre. Night in Albacete.
October 27: At 10:00h guided visit of sites related to the International Brigades in Albacete. At 14:30h meal with fraternal guests in Albacete. At 17:00h farewell from Albacete Town Hall and departure from Albacete to Madrid. Night in Madrid.
October 28: From 8:30h visit to Guadalajara battlefield. Coaches leave from Hotel Abba in Avenida de América, close to Hontanares bakery/cafeteria. Visits to Torija and Brihuega. At 16:00h Fuencarral cemetery. At 18:00h Ciudad Universitaria. Night in Madrid.
October 29: At 11:00h unveiling of monument in Vicálvaro to the International Brigades, and official dedication of square, followed by meal with fraternal guests and then by bus from Vicálvaro to Atocha. At 16:30h recreation of march followed by the XI International Brigade on foot from Atocha to Sol and Telefónica building. At 20:00h farewell at Red de San Luis in Gran Via (near Telefónica building). Night in Madrid.
October 30: Departure from Madrid.
Posted 14 September 2016