Monumento a Elena Fortún Stele

Lost in thought, have you ever wondered about the power of words to shape young minds? Here at the Monumento a Elena Fortún in Madrid’s Parque del Oeste, we celebrate a woman who truly understood that power. Elena Fortún, born Encarnación Aragoneses, gifted generations of Spanish children with the unforgettable character of Celia Gálvez de Montalbán. The Monumento a Elena Fortún, erected in 1957, is more than just a statue. It’s a testament to a writer who captured the spirit of childhood with honesty and humor. Elena Fortún’s Celia series, starting with “Celia, lo que dice” in 1929, wasn’t just popular. It became a literary cornerstone. These stories, narrated through the inquisitive eyes of seven-year-old Celia, offered a refreshing look at the world from a child’s perspective. The Monumento a Elena Fortún beautifully depicts this connection. The sculptor, José Planes, placed Elena Fortún’s bust between two children, Celia and Cuchifritín. They offer her a flower and a book, symbolizing the love and literary gifts she shared with her young readers. Elena Fortún’s life, much like Celia’s adventures, was full of both joy and hardship. The Spanish Civil War forced her and her husband into exile in Argentina. There, in the bustling National Public Library of Buenos Aires, she crossed paths with the literary giant Jorge Luis Borges. Despite the turmoil of exile, Elena Fortún’s Celia books continued to be published in Spain. They resonated with children on both sides of the political divide. The inscription on the Monumento a Elena Fortún reads, “LOS NIÑOS / ESPAÑOLES A / ELENA FORTÚN / 17 NOVIEMBRE 1886 – 8 MAYO 1952,” a poignant reminder of her enduring legacy. The monument stands as a quiet tribute in the tranquil Parque del Oeste, a place where children still play and imaginations soar, just as Elena Fortún envisioned. It invites us to remember the magic she brought to countless young lives through the simple power of storytelling.