Lorraine Williamson
A Spanish cultural association is pushing for UNESCO to recognise two of the country’s most iconic literary figures—Don Quixote and Sancho Panza—as elements of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Cervantes Association of Alcázar de San Juan, located in Castilla-La Mancha, is leading the initiative.
For months, the association has been compiling a comprehensive dossier to support the application. The document outlines the cultural and symbolic significance of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, characters created by Miguel de Cervantes in the 17th century.
Support has already been expressed by several institutions, although formal endorsements are still being gathered. The association stresses that the application process is complex and requires clear evidence of the characters’ cultural impact.
Public involvement and institutional backing
To widen the base of support, documents have been made available online for individuals and organisations to sign. These declarations of support are expected to demonstrate public interest and strengthen the case before regional and national authorities.
The association is appealing not only to locals but also to Spanish citizens and cultural institutions across the country.
Recognition begins at home
The first step in the process is for the regional government of Castilla-La Mancha to officially recognise the characters as Bienes Inmateriales de Interés Cultural (Intangible Assets of Cultural Interest). Without this, a national and international bid cannot move forward.
This type of recognition forms part of Spain’s broader efforts to preserve and promote its intangible heritage.
Global influence of literary figures
Don Quixote and Sancho Panza are more than fictional creations. They are the central characters in Don Quixote de la Mancha, the influential 17th-century novel by Miguel de Cervantes.
Don Quixote, a nobleman obsessed with tales of chivalry, sets out to revive knighthood, seeing the world not as it is, but as he imagines it. His loyal squire, Sancho Panza, follows him on his adventures, offering a more grounded and practical perspective.
Together, they represent a unique balance of idealism and realism, which has become deeply embedded in Spanish culture. The Spanish language has even adopted terms like quijotesco and sanchopancesco, referring to overly romantic idealism and grounded pragmatism respectively.
Their stories have influenced art, politics, and education for over four centuries. Today, they remain enduring symbols of human aspiration, contradiction, and resilience.
An appeal for international cooperation
The Cervantes Association is also seeking backing from the international community, including universities, literary bodies, and the Network of Cervantes Cities. The goal is not only to highlight the importance of the characters but also to raise the global profile of Alcázar de San Juan and Castilla-La Mancha.
If UNESCO status is granted, it would mark a significant cultural milestone. It would also reaffirm Spain’s literary heritage on the world stage.
Looking ahead
The association’s initiative reflects a growing trend in heritage preservation. By recognising fictional characters as part of a nation’s cultural fabric, the process acknowledges the power of literature to shape identity and history.
Also read: La Mancha: In the footsteps of Don Quixote