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Orihuela's most famous son is without a doubt the poet Miguel Hernández. During his short life (1910 - 1942), the son of a local goat dealer left behind an extensive oeuvre that would almost certainly have led to a Nobel Prize in Literature. Were it not that he died prematurely of tuberculosis. The socially engaged poet was an enemy of the Franco regime and sentenced to 30 years in prison. During the Spanish Civil War, this was the fate of many Republicans promoting social justice and democracy.
But times have changed. Once maligned, but now honored. An important step in the process of revaluation came on October 30, 2020. The Spanish government decided to rename Alicante airport into Alicante Miguel Hernández Airport on the occasion of its birthday.
The city of Orihuela had embraced the poet much earlier. This is evidenced by a school in his name, a special Miguel Hernández walking route in the city, a statue and a museum dedicated to Hernández. The house in which he grew up was chosen for the museum. In what is now appropriately called Calle Miguel Hernández, the house has been lovingly restored. In the museum, which is freely accessible, you can see many photos, as well as household goods from that time and personal belongings. An extensive timeline provides insight into the short, but turbulent life of the poet. Parts of his work are read aloud in the museum every last Saturday of the month.
The most important and imposing tribute to Hernández can be found on the streets of the San Isidro suburb since 1976. That was the year that Spain came out of the yoke of dictator Franco and democracy returned. The district's poor and marginalized population celebrated its regained freedom with lavish murals. Many were dedicated to Miguel Hernández, who symbolized the struggle of the oppressed residents. The murals had themes such as hope, militancy, love, optimism and social injustice. All elements that the artists recognized in Hernández's poems. Since that year, new works of art have appeared in the streets of San Isidro every year. This has now risen to more than 140 works made by about 100 artists.
