THE SOLFA ELM

Legend has it that back in September 1902, Eusebio Requena Gómez—remembered in later years as the father of the well-known El Picarillo—was no longer a young man and remained a bachelor. His friends encouraged him to follow the old folk saying: “Plant a tree, and a wife you shall find.” And so he did.

Eusebio, who lived nearby on Calle del Cura, set off with his cart down the steep slopes of the Júcar canyon. He returned with a fairly well-grown elm—perhaps in a hurry to leave his bachelor days behind. With a neighbour’s help, he dug a great hole on this very spot, which at the time was just an open plot of land. A year later, his efforts were rewarded when he found the woman who would become his wife, María Catalina Tornero.

As often happens in matters of the heart, it is said the tree suffered its share of mischief and setbacks, yet it overcame every adversity. Witnesses saw how the bark once peeled from the trunk, causing deformities. Children filled the resulting hollows with stones until, mysteriously, the tree “swallowed” the stones, healed itself, and grew into the magnificent specimen we see today.

According to local lore, the elm symbolises faithful love through its longevity, and constancy through its resilience. Planting or visiting an elm is considered a symbolic act of “planting love”—a ritual to attract or strengthen romantic relationships intended to last forever.

Until quite recently, other elms could be seen nearby. It is curious that they thrived here; perhaps other local men performed the same ritual to find their match.

So now you know: if you seek love, you could plant an elm. But you could also plant a kiss on the one you love most, or place a small stone beneath this elm to strengthen your relationship and keep this beautiful legend alive.