THE Saint Nicholas Squarein the heart of Pamplonais a place where memories never seem to fade. There, the smell of roasted chestnuts and the inimitable presence of Mikel Alvarezchestnut tree for more than 45 years, have been part of the urban and emotional landscape of the city.
However, beyond his position, Mikel embodies a mission that transcends the seasons: to restore the center to its vibrant soul and the agitation that once characterized it.
In a conversation full of nostalgia and enthusiasm, Mikel recalls how the center of Pamplona was the axis of social and commercial life. “Many people come up to me and tell me that they still remember me when they were walking with their parents or grandparents, and that seems kind to me because I think it represents the healthy spirit of a city that lived and revolved around the centerhe admits.
Even though times have changed, Mikel cannot resign himself to seeing the center empty. It is for this reason that he decided to take a step forward, using modern tools to save a tradition he has cultivated for decades. Your activity in social networkslike Instagram, seeks to convey the essence of what the center of Pamplona means to him: a place where families shared chestnuts, walks and good times. “On the networks I try to tell anecdotes that I have experienced because I have been in San Nicolás for many years, but simply with the intention of being able to transmit those good moments that I enjoyed”he explains.
To attract the public and give them the illusion of walking in the center, Mikel has launched initiatives such as chestnut drawssmall gestures that arouse the interest and curiosity of those looking for reasons to reconnect with their city. Additionally, he uses his posts to share images from then and now, showing the rich history and culture that downtown streets still have to offer.
Mikel has become more than just a chestnut producer: he is a neighborhood chronicler and an ardent defender of local commerce. Your position is not just a place to work; It is a meeting point where stories of the past mix with hope for a more vibrant future for the center. “How good it is and you can’t let die the pleasure you feel visiting the most important streets of your city”he asserts with conviction.
If you want to experience this spirit and participate in the revitalization of the center, simply follow their profile on Instagram (@mikel.el.castanero) or, better yet, stop at the Plaza de San Nicolás and share a moment with him. As he himself says: “Everyone is welcome here. “Together we make a neighborhood, together we make life”. And as Mikel knows well, these small daily gestures can rekindle the spark that brings new life to the heart of Pamplona.
