The Comparsa de Gigantes de Alcalá de Henares returns to the Fair with restored Don Quijote and Sancho Panza and a new member, the Barber. The parades will traverse all the neighbourhoods from August 23 to 30.
The Comparsa de Gigantes de Alcalá de Henares is once again one of the highlights of the 2026 Fair, featuring a renewed figure, a historical restoration, and a new member. The exhibition ‘The Comparsa of Giants and Bigheads’ opened its doors on Saturday, August 22 at the Capilla del Oidor, from 10:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 21:00. During the mornings, the hall may not have all the pieces as the comparsa makes its rounds through the neighbourhoods.
The big news is the addition of Maese Nicolás “the barber”, who becomes the eighth member of the comparsa. The figure, inspired by the character from the animated series of Don Quijote, has been revamped to fit the aesthetic of the other giants. The project began in 2023 and was carried out by Eduardo Escolar, giant maker; Martín Munuera, sculptor; and Isabel Portillo, dressmaker.
Additionally, the restoration of Don Quijote and Sancho Panza has been presented, funded by the Department of Historical Heritage. In the case of Sancho Panza, his appearance has been restored to how it looked over 50 years ago, based on old photographs. The councillor for Historical Heritage, Vicente Pérez, explained that sculptures were modelled in clay to be faithful to the original features and then reproduced in polyester.
In the case of Sancho Panza, all existing graphic information was gathered, and sculptures were modelled in clay according to these images, trying to be as faithful as possible to their features and characteristics,” said Vicente Pérez.
For Sancho's costume, serges and wool fabrics were used following the current design. In Don Quijote, his external appearance has been restored using the same painting technique, and the metal body-armour has been reinforced with a lightweight aluminium internal structure to facilitate assembly and disassembly. The sewing workshop has made a new skirt to maintain the overall image.
The comparsa has also made improvements to other figures. The polystyrene bodies of El Gitano, El Gordo, El Demonio, La Bruja, and El Gepeto have been replaced with fiberglass structures, enhancing their durability. The costumes of El Gitano, El Flaco, and El Gordo have also been renewed, with shirts, skirts, sashes, and ties.
The councillor for Festivals and Popular Traditions, Antonio Saldaña, has invited locals and visitors to enjoy this tradition.
To once again enjoy one of the most beloved and deeply rooted traditions in our city, which is passed down from generation to generation, having a great legacy, an active present, and a promising future, with a dynamic and attractive comparsa,” affirmed Saldaña.
The parades will begin on Sunday, August 23 at 10:00 from the Plaza de Cervantes, passing through Paseo de Pastrana, Reyes Católicos, and Núñez de Guzmán before returning to the centre. On Monday, August 24, it will depart at the same time towards the Venecia neighbourhood, the Manuel Azaña roundabout, and the Paseo de los Curas. On Tuesday, August 25, it will visit Val and Juan de Austria; on Wednesday, August 26, Caballería Española, Lope de Vega, and Paseo de la Estación.
On Thursday, August 27, it will depart from Octavio Paz street to tour El Ensanche, El Olivar, and, for the first time, Las Sedas. On Friday, August 28, it will head to Espartales and Espartales Norte, leaving from the Plaza de Reina Cristina to Ciudad 10. On Saturday, August 29, it will return from the Plaza de Cervantes to reach Chorrillo and Parque del Ángel. On Sunday, August 30, at 10:00, the giants will conclude with a route that has yet to be detailed.
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