Orihuela is turning the streets of its historic centre into a poetic journey with the sound exhibition “Poets with a Voice.” This initiative, led by the Department of Culture, aims to “bring literature closer to the public in an innovative, interactive, and accessible way,” said Culture Councilor Anabel García.
Through stickers placed throughout the streets, anyone can listen to renowned poets reciting their own works simply by scanning a QR code with their mobile phone. “Orihuela has a literary essence, and with this street exhibition, we reinforce its cultural identity, transforming it into an open-air museum where poetry speaks directly to our ears,” García emphasized.
The QR code stickers are strategically placed in key locations within the historic district, allowing visitors to enjoy verses from great poets as they explore the city. The route includes around twenty recordings, each lasting approximately one minute, ensuring an engaging yet concise experience.
Featured poets include Miguel Hernández, Luis Cernuda, Juan Ramón Jiménez, Ángel González, Blas de Otero, José Hierro, Gabriel Celaya, Pedro Salinas, Jorge Luis Borges, and Vicente Aleixandre. The selection also highlights prominent Latin American poets such as Alfonsina Storni, Juana de Ibarbourou, Gabriela Mistral, Gloria Fuertes, Elvira Sastre, Raquel Lanseros, Chantal Millard, Rosario Castellanos, Concha Méndez, and Sara Buro.
Locations of the Poetic Stickers
The poetic journey consists of around twenty recordings placed at various emblematic locations throughout the city, including:
- Colegio de Santo Domingo
- Miguel Hernández House Museum
- Poeta del Pueblo Building
- Courthouse
- Holy Week Museum
- Ramón Sijé Square
- Casa Casinello
- Orihuela Cathedral
- Muralla Museum
- PROP Building
- Vía Manuel Square
- Church of Santa Justa
- Poniente Bridge
- Town Hall
- Carmen Square
- María Moliner Library
- Reconquista Museum
- Churches of Santiago and Monserrate
The “Poets with a Voice” exhibition is a strong commitment to culture and literature in Orihuela, offering residents and visitors an accessible and innovative way to experience poetry. In a city that continues to honour Miguel Hernández and poetic heritage, García encourages everyone to “explore these locations, listen to the verses, and let themselves be carried away by the voices of these timeless poets.”
