In a gesture of homage, the ancient dancer Antonio Gades was celebrated anew. The city opened a park bearing his name in 1998, six years before the artist’s passing, and a life-size bronze sculpture has presided there since March 29, 2023, welcoming visitors to the Castelar Theatre.
The dancer’s daughter attended the public ceremony, presided over by Mayor Rubén Alfaro. Maria Esteve and his widow, Maria Evgenia Eiriz, were present along with representatives from cultural institutions and the broader community.
Elda will commemorate dancer Antonio Gades with a bronze statue
Urban sculpture, crafted by Lovingly López Gullón, depicts Gades in one of his signature dynamic moves, capturing the fullness of his artistry. The decision to place the statue beside the Castelar Theatre—an emblematic site in the city’s 20th-century performing arts scene—was a personal commitment fulfilled by Cultural Councilor Amado Navalón.
“Thank you very much from the heart”
Visibly moved, María Esteve expressed gratitude, saying, “Recognition from my father’s city means a great deal. He always maintained a strong bond with Elda, and we hope that connection endures. We are grateful for this tribute and for the love shown.”
Eugenia Eiriz added, “Antonio’s image remains widespread, and we continue to promote his legacy through the Foundation named after him. This recognition stands as one of the strongest given to him because it places a statue right at the doors of such a renowned theater. Thank you from the heart.”
Dance, art and poetry to commemorate Antonio Gades
Rubén Alfaro stated that the city has offered a meaningful, well-deserved public tribute to the love she has long felt for Antonio Gades. He emphasized that Gades, though part of a broader world of culture, remained deeply rooted in Eldense identity.
“Delight from all”
In his remarks, the mayor underscored the city’s role as custodian of Gades’ memories, noting that the talent of this great artist travels through the identity of Eldenses. From today, his gaze will meet Eldenses and fellow countrymen daily, in front of the Castelar Theatre, with a statue cherished by all.
The “Year of Gades” is coming to Elda
Alfaro closed the event, noting that more than 200 attendees hoped the moment would inspire future generations. “This bronze, which captures the essence of our beloved dancer, will keep his memory alive forever, and may his career sow the seeds of inspiration in our city’s youth, inviting new artists to the stages of world theaters.”
Born in a cave in Mount Bolón
Known as a “bailaor,” Antonio Esteve Rodenas was born on November 14, 1936, in the mountain-cave home in Mount Bolón, Elda, and passed away on July 20, 2004, in Madrid. He shared the stage with notable figures such as Pedrito Rico and soprano Ana María Sánchez, becoming one of the city’s most universal cultural icons in recent history. His father, a bricklayer by trade, joined the Madrid front with the Republic’s army, followed by Antonio and his family. The performer’s stage name, Antonio Gades, began to rise within the dance world.
The dancer’s rise spanned a golden era of Spanish folklore in the 60s and 70s. He directed the National Ballet, founded his own company, and toured the world’s great stages. Spain represented at the New York World’s Fair in 1964 and later in Cuba. He earned acclaim as a flamenco idol in 2004, the year of his death, and received the National Order of José Martí.
Eldense performances touched audiences in Japan, the United States, Morocco, Argentina and Cuba. In Cuba, his remains are interred, a choice rooted in his affection for the country, which he called a second homeland.