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Albacete , a city of the ancient Spanish province of the Mancha, was founded
by Muslims who named it "Al Basit" (the plane land) given the characteristics
of its placement. It has evolved from a small village founded by Muslims into
a modern capital of hard-working and friendly people. With over 160,000 inhabitants,
it is the most populous city of Castile La Mancha.
Albacete is a city of engrained traditions, but at the same time it is modern and cosmopolitan. Walking along its streets, one cannot help but appreciate its beautiful architectural contrasts: the cathedral from the era of Gothic to Baroque transition; the church of the Ascension which dates from the nineteenth century, or the original Pasaje de Lodares, with its modern style. We can also emphasize the “Circo theater”, the library known as “library of the tank of Sun” and the University.
It
is easy to lose oneself in Abelardo Sanchez Park , and to be carried away by
the atmosphere created by the nearly 125,000 trees of various species that have
kept the secrets of the city so many years.
For centuries the emblematic product of its artisans has been cutlery. This cultural inheritance from the Muslims continues vigorous even today. It is the only Spanish city with an internationally prestigious museum dedicated to cutlery. We can also highlight the Children's Museum, unique in Spain.
In
the month of September Albacete celebrates the Faire in honor of the Virgin
of the Llanos, the patron saint of the city. The fairgrounds, which are unique
in design for Spain , are known popularly for aesthetical reasons as the "Frying
Pan". They hold nearly 300,000 people. During this event we learn from
one another and live together in peace.
Despite the buildings and traditions, what really characterizes Albacete is its hard-working, hospitable, welcoming, and friendly people. They are a people committed to their city and their world. Albacete is an important educational center where the smallest children are educated in the spirit of harmony and tolerance, and where "learning to live together", which Dr. Delors will speak about, is the foundation. For this reason the First WORLD CONGRESS OF INFANT EDUCATION FOR PEACE had to be held here in Albacete, the region where Don Alonso Quijano el Bueno, known as Don Quijote, wandered for years--the man of whom we know all except where he was born, and who never lived outside of literary fiction, but left the mark of his personality behind nonetheless.