Juanra Álvarez Captures El Sauzal's Beauty for 2026 Calendar

Each month, the most beautiful spots in El Sauzal come to life through the lens of local photographer Juanra Álvarez. He has captured 13 stunning images of the municipality for the 2026 calendar, titled 'My Favorite Corners: Secret Door to Unexpected Landscapes'.

The calendar showcases a variety of scenes, including La Garañona, a coastal sunset, the San José area, the old town, the trails of Mount Ravelo, the Rojas path, and the underwater world of Los Parrales bay (with help from photographer Francis Pérez). Other featured locations are the temple of Los Ángeles, San Nicolás, a view from the main road, a chestnut harvest, and the wine tradition museum. On the back cover, you'll find roosters in El Calvario.

Published annually by the El Sauzal Town Council, the calendar is now available for free to residents. This tradition began in "2002 or 2003," Álvarez recalls, when he was the council's press officer. That's when he discovered his passion for photography, a passion that has continued ever since. Locals eagerly anticipate the new calendar each year, finding joy in turning the page to discover a new beautiful scene from their municipality.

Álvarez describes the 2026 calendar photos as "relatively simple." He explains, "it could be a path, a bougainvillea on a house, an old door, but, somehow, the color, brightness, or framing stands out. That is the perspective of contemplative photography." He believes this style of photography can be practiced "anywhere, be it indoors or outdoors, with a fresh, bright, and attentive gaze. Whatever catches your attention becomes a photograph."

After about 20 years and more than 250 images, the El Sauzal photographer still finds surprising places in his hometown. "I find a corner in three square meters," he says with a laugh. He doesn't go out with a plan, preferring to simply explore without expectations. "I work with improvisation from the image. Once you pay attention to your gaze, the idea that connects with photography appears," he explains.

Some of his images also feature people, a concept Álvarez calls "the humanized landscape." He states, "Through this concept, I also bring the calendar to life. People are part of El Sauzal's corners. It makes it more vibrant." While people add life to the calendar, nature remains the most prominent element in his work. The deep connection between Álvarez and El Sauzal's natural environment is clear in his photographs.

Álvarez feels a strong connection to his own nature and "to the natural environment. It inspires me." Beyond inspiration, he sees being in nature as "health." He reflects, "We are losing our connection with the earth: we get lost in social media or in our own thoughts. When you go out into nature, you feel calm, it doesn't judge you, and it generates a vital energy that heals you psychologically and even physically." He admits he dedicates a lot of time to this.

The El Sauzal Town Council explains that the calendar, 'My Favorite Corners: Secret Door to Unexpected Landscapes', encourages "citizens to explore the hidden beauty of the municipality through inspiring images of great visual power. An initiative that captures the most magical and surprising essence of the town, revealing corners that captivate at first sight."