Ever wonder who lived in this house? This Luis Carandell Plaque commemorates a remarkable man. It marks the home of Luis Carandell. He lived here from 1963 until his death in 2002.
Luis Carandell was born in Barcelona in 1929. He was a journalist and writer. He became an adopted son of Madrid. Carandell practiced his craft for over half a century. He worked in print, radio, and television.
At 18, Luis Carandell moved to Madrid. He studied law there. Later, he started working at El Correo Catalán. In the 1950s, he embarked on a long career. It took him to various countries as a correspondent. In 1961, he made Madrid his permanent home.
Seven years later, in 1968, Carandell joined Triunfo magazine. He published the sections “Silla de pista” and “Celtiberia show”. The compilation of “Celtiberia show” into a book became a bestseller.
Luis Carandell was a commentator and a parliamentary chronicler. He also presented the news. He dedicated most of his professional life to journalism. He worked for Informaciones and Por Favor. He also worked for Madrid and Diario de Barcelona. Plus, he was on TVE, Radio Nacional, and Ser. He also wrote for Viajar and El País.
Carandell’s writings are diverse. They include “Vivir en Madrid” and “Los españoles”. Also, “Se abre la sesión” and “Vida y milagros de monseñor Escrivá de Balaguer, fundador del Opus Dei”. Not to forget “El santoral de Luis Carandell” and “Las habas contadas”.
Luis Carandell was a member of the European Association of Journalists. He was known for his humor and clear insight. He was always well-intentioned.
In 1990, he received the title of Honorary Guide. It was awarded by the Professional Association of Tourist Information. In 1995, he received the Medal of Merit in Labor. The city named him Adopted Son of Madrid in 1998. Posthumously, in 2002, he received the medal of the Círculo de Bellas Artes. He also got the “Mesonero Romanos” journalism prize.
Luis Carandell was one of the most recognized journalists. He covered the Spanish Transition. He was a parliamentary chronicler. He wrote articles in Informaciones and Diario 16. Also, El Independiente, El Sol, and El País. He contributed to Cuadernos para el Diálogo and Triunfo. Also, Hermano Lobo and Viajar. He even directed Viajar from 1978.
Among his books are “Celtiberia Show” and “El show de sus señorías”. “Antología de anécdotas parlamentarias” came out in 1986. “10 años de Constitución Española” was published in 1988. And “Diccionario de Españología” in 1998. He also wrote travel books and books about Madrid. Examples are “Paisajes literarios de Madrid” and “Madrid”.
This Luis Carandell Plaque serves as a reminder. It honors a man who enriched Madrid’s cultural life. He did this through his insightful journalism. His humorous observations remain relevant today.