A Spanish Village Offers Free House and Job for Relocation

Villalgordo del Marquesado Raises a Toast to Creativity to Revitalize its Population and Breathe Life into the Heart of the Village.

In the Battle Against Depopulation, Every Corner Harnesses its Own Resources.

With just over 70 registered inhabitants, and even fewer who call its streets home on a daily basis, Villalgordo del Marquesado faces a new challenge. At the end of December, just before the Christmas Lottery draw, the village's only bar closed its doors.

Bars are more than just businesses; they are spaces where lives and stories of neighbors intertwine. With this notion in mind, the residents of Villalgordo del Marquesado made a bold decision: to offer the management of the bar, with free rent, to anyone willing to take charge of it. The only requirement would be to become self-employed and cover the electricity expenses. As an added incentive, the location is prime, right below the Town Hall, at the heart of the village.

Mayor Natalio Valencia points out: "We provide the space, heating, fridge... and also a residence that's currently under construction, expected to be ready by summer. We began with word of mouth, and then the news spread through social media."

This proposal has garnered a positive response and attracted several interested parties. "We have four candidates and we'll have to evaluate their profiles. I believe we'll make a collective decision. One is from Valdepeñas, another from the Alicante area, a young woman from Barcelona with family ties here, and another person who I think resides in Las Pedroñeras." The mayor emphasizes: "The bar is the meeting point for all the villagers, as well as for those who visit us on weekends. If it weren't for the bar, where else would we gather? We wouldn't even have the chance to cross paths."

This is an exciting step towards revitalizing Villalgordo del Marquesado, an example of how a community unites to preserve the vitality of its space and forge connections that withstand the test of time.

Those interested in moving and taking over the management of the bar can contact the Town Hall via the information phone number 969 29 02 01 or send an email to villalgordo-marquesado@local.jccm.es.

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https://www.vocesdecuenca.com/provincia/lamancha/villalgordo-del-marquesado-ofrece-bar-gratis-con-vivienda-para-ampliar-poblacion-y-dinamizar-el-pueblo/