This website is curated by Diana Friedman, an American writer who lives in both the US and Donosti (known generally by its Spanish name, San Sebastian). She decided to kick off this blog when she found herself stuck in Donosti during the lockdown triggered by the first wave of the Coronavirus outbreak in Spain, in March, 2020.
Writing, any art for that matter, is an act of empowerment, of giving voice to oneself. Confined to our apartments, many people refused to give into despair, choosing instead to make art and celebrate life. This site was created to share what was produced during these difficult times, as well as to collate the works of the many fabulous writers and artists who call San Sebastian their home.
“Hard moments are the best times to reflect on our lives and share those reflections,” wrote Manuel Ollero, a doctor of Internal Medicine at Virgen del Rocío Hospital of Sevilla on March 30, in El Pais, as Spain entered its third week of lockdown.
“These times are an auspicious moment to reflect and write,” he continued. “Write what we don’t want to be lost, the advice we don’t share, the stories we don’t tell. Creative acts help awaken what we carry inside and have a healing power.”
And so, as the good doctor concluded:
“Let’s create something and share it!”
