Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
 Intellectual Hub |
Calle Prado 21 Madrid 28014 Spain +34 914 296 251 http://www.ateneodemadrid.com/ |
Built in 1835 by liberal intellectuals, the Ateneo is one of Madrid's main centers for cultural activities. It was frequented by Pio Baroja and other famous writers. Containing one of the best periodical collections and libraries in Madrid, it also host exhibitions and other events throughout the year. See their website for a full calendar of events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Most prestigious bullfighting event |
Plaza de Toros de las Ventas Madrid 28027 Spain +34 91 3562200 http://www.las-ventas.com/sani... redaccion@las-ventas.com |
Spain's most important bullfighting event of the season lasts for a month from mid-May onwards. It attracts all the star bullfighters and is so popular that you will be very lucky to get in. The ticket office (10am-6pm) opens five days before the fights start and there are re-sale booths outside the ring that charge 20% extra. Most aficionados have to content themselves to watching the spectacle on TV. The world's most important bullring—Plaza de toros de las Ventas is the venue. Admission: EUR3.50-EUR105 Review © 2007, Wcities |
 The Goya bullfighting festival |
Plaza de Toros de las Ventas Madrid, Madrid 28027 Spain |
A mini-bullfighting festival that takes place two or three days prior to the May 2 celebrations (2 de Mayo) and acts as a sort of warm-up for the major bullfighting festival (Feria de San Isidro) that starts a few days later. Some of the country's outstanding young apprentice bullfighters are tested in the ring at this festival. The most eagerly awaited event is the spectacular corrida goyesca on the second day, when the bullfighters and their team of banderillos and picadors dress up in the sort of colourful 18 century costumes painted by the brilliant artist, Goya. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
A Million Books On Sale |
Santiago Rusinol 8 Madrid, Madrid 28040 Spain +34 91 533 8836 http://www.ferialibromadrid.com/ |
Between the end of May and the middle of June, Madrid's Retiro Park turns into a giant open-air bookstore. You'll see a million volumes on display, including all the latest releases from the major Spanish and Latin American publishing houses. Join the bargain hunters and book-lovers and enjoy being in the park at the same time. It's well worth visiting, even if you're not buying. Free admission. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Teófilo  |
 Three-day outdoor music festival in Móstoles |
Parque El Soto Madrid, Madrid 28935 Spain http://www.festimad.es festimad@festimad.es |
This is Madrid's annual Woodstock. That means two or three days (and nights) of Radical Rock music, camping out and making new friends in the middle of May. National and international acts have been signed up to play pop, dance, hip-hop, punk and hardcore rock to audiences of 20000 plus per day. The venue is an enormous park called El Soto, some 20km outside Madrid. The facilities include various stages, chill-out zones, a flea market, camping area, medical services, food and beverages, ATM's, running water and public telephones. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Warren |
 Flamenco roots, art and emotions |
Teatro Albéniz Paz, 11 Madrid 28012 Spain +34 91 531 8311 |
Madrid's most important flamenco festival brings together all the best singers, dancers and musicians on the current scene, old and young. You'll get the chance to see and hear the likes of Juan Carmona (Habichuela), Manuel Soto (Sordera), Jos de la Tomasa, Paco de Luca, Blanca del Rey and Enrique Morente. There's always a special event to pay tribute to a flamenco legend of the past and one of the festival's participating artists is awarded a prestigious prize. A few days before performances start, a program of parallel activities is organized that includes talks and presentations given by music critics and flamenco experts. Admission: EUR15-21. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
A Display of Dance |
Plaza Mayor Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain +34 91 730 1750 |
This is your opportunity to see a wide range of dance styles that includes innovative contemporary companies, circus performers, flamenco and classical dancers in up to 30 different shows in various venues across the city. Teatro Albniz, Teatro de Madrid, Centro Cultural de la Villa and Circulo de Bellas Artes are the principal stages. Famous names like Cullberg Ballet, David Parson, Victor Ullate, Lindsay Kemp, Joaquin Corts and Wim Vandekeybus have all performed here. It's a showcase event for young Spanish choreographers and for progressive foreign companies. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Famous photographers on display |
La Fábrica Alameda, 9 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 360 1320 http://www.phedigital.com info@phedigital.com |
Madrid becomes photography capital of the world between June and July every year. Past festivals have featured different exhibitions under the common title of Femeninos. La identidad desde la perspectiva del gnero (Women. Identity from a gender perspective). It spotlighted some of the best work by recognized Spanish and foreign artists. The major exhibition venues are Centro Cultural de la Villa, Casa de Amrica, Circulo de Bellas Artes and Museo Reina Sofa, which are supplemented by 30 smaller, private galleries. Admission is free to some (but not all) venues. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Coming out of the closet |
Calle de Eloy Gonzalo 25 (Fundación Triángulo) Madrid 28010 Spain +34 91 593 0540 http://www.lesgaicinemad.com info@lesgaicinemad.com |
The Gay & Lesbian Film Festival in Madrid aims to spread the awareness of the homosexual, bisexual and transsexual communities. Various films pertaining to the possibilities of openness and acceptance are screened at various venues. Prizes are handed out for the best films. Come and lend support to Madrid's gay community and the gay community at large. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Jazz greats live in concert |
Avenida Gregorio del Amo 4 Avenida Gregorio del Amo, 4 Madrid 28040 Spain +34 91 534 2400 |
One of Madrid's most eagerly awaited annual festivals, the day is organized by San Juan Evangelista college's jazz club and it attracts legendary figures as great as Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Dizzie Gillespie, Tony Williams, and Tete Montoli just name a few. The organizers are keen to attract students and a wide cross section of the general public to the event so they keep ticket prices low. Admission is EUR5. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Theatre, music and international dance |
Plaza de España, 8 Dirección General de Promoción Cultural Madrid 28008 Spain +34 91 588 2900 (tourist office) http://www.madrid.org/clas_art... |
Madrid's major cultural showcase in the autumn fills most of the city's stages with theatre, dance and musical performances. Companies from various countries attend, and the festival traditionally starts with a show in Teatro Albo and others follow in the Bellas Artes, Sala Cuarta Pared, La Abad and other venues. In terms of dance, the Spanish program is outstanding as are the flamenco and classical music concerts and opera performances. Ticket prices vary. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Traditional blessing of pets |
Iglesia de San Antón Hortaleza, 63 Madrid 28004 Spain |
Turn up at Church at midday on January 17 and you will witness an unusual religious tradition dating back to the 17th century. You will find a queue of people who have brought their domestic pets to be blessed by the priest. Later in the afternoon owners and pets parade several times round the church along with the statue of Saint Anthony, patron saint of animals. Traditional bread rolls are distributed as well, a popular custom that is meant to ensure that no one goes hungry in the coming year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
First summer party |
Recinto ferial Parque de la Bombilla Glorieta de San Antonio de la Florida Madrid 28008 Spain |
One of the city's first fiestas of the summertime provides locals with a good excuse to dress up, go walking, eat, drink, dance and listen to music. The religious part takes place in the morning of June 13, when the smartly dressed crowds visit San Antonio's chapel on the banks of the River Manzanares. Then there's lunch on the terraces or a picnic before heading to the fair ground with its stalls full of traditional products and drinks for sale, its children's amusement rides, and live pop and rock bands. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Katie Goldstein |
 Whatever makes you happy |
Parque Ferial Juan Carlos I Ifema Madrid, Madrid 28042 Spain +34 91 549 4800 http://www.expo-ocio.es/ info@expo-ocio.es |
Visit this trade fair to get good ideas and practical information on how best to enjoy your holidays and weekends. You'll see exhibitions covering rural tourism, adventure pursuits, camping, water sports, theme parks, telecommunications, photography and more. Two other trade fairs take place at the same time: one covers digital technology and multimedia while the other concentrates on consumer technology. There's also entertainment in the form of clowns, jugglers, theatre, dance, sports, gymnastics and other activities. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
National and international bands |
Parque Ferial Juan Carlos 1 Madrid, Madrid 28042 Spain +34 91 722 5000 (Venue) http://metrorock.net info@metrorock.net |
Held at Juan Carlos Park, the Metrorock Festival has transformed from a photographic exhibition to a music festival. Featuring an impressive line-up of national and international talent like Paul Weller and Karl Bartos, this is one rocking festival. Apart from the live stage there are also talented DJs present in the club area who keep the crowd pumped up. Come and join the thousands of people who flock here for this vibrant musical event. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Antonio Martín |
 Photo: looks_that_foot |
|
Impressive religious celebrations |
Calle del Nuncio 14 Madrid, Madrid Spain +34 91 540 4010 |
The most spectacular part of Madrid's Easter celebrations during Semana Santa (Holy Week) are the religious processions. On Maundy Thursday, the Jess El Pobre (humble) procession sets out from San Pedro church (c/Nuncio, 15) at 7p. The popular Jess Nazareno procession leaves the Baslica de Jess de Medinacelli (Plaza de Jess, 2) at 7p on Good Friday. There's also a silent procession on Good Friday that winds its way along Calle Alcal to arrive at Puerta del Sol around 11p, bringing with it 800 participants, guards of honour and brass bands. On Holy Saturday, the procession of the Virgen Dolorosa leaves the Baslica de Jess de Medinacelli at 8a. That afternoon, the procession of Soledad sets out at 4.30p with a traditional band from the Monasterio del Corpus Christi (on Plaza Congreso de Miranda). It's worth tasting the typical sweets associated with these celebrations, called torrijas. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Digital film-making at its best |
Ronda Valencia 2 Casa Encendida Madrid 28012 Spain +34 91 506 3875 (Venue) http://resfest.com resfest2005@resfest.com |
The Resfest Digital Film Festival tours to various cities all over the globe. Held in December at Madrid, it is an interesting festival for anyone keen on groundbreaking original works. Come and watch digital shorts, long forms and full length features, which span from 12 to 30 minutes and longer. Catch different music videos, animations and films from creators like the bold Swede Traktor. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Other art media on show |
Avenida de Portugal (Recinto Ferial de la Casa de Campo-Pabellón La Pipa) Madrid 28011 Spain +34 91 588 9393 camponaciones@munimadrid.es |
The focus of this event is contemporary prints (including lithographs, etchings, silkscreen, and aquatints) for sale at prices the public can afford (from EUR300). Over a hundred exhibitors show work by famous artists like Picasso, Saura, and Miró alongside the new generation of Ignacio Casares, María Velasco, and Juan de Sande. Engravings and rare etchings, as well as digital prints, video images, photographs, and holographs are also on display. Other activities include book presentations, conferences and organized debates. Call for admission prices. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Spectacular Outdoor Shows |
Various venues Madrid 28005 Spain +34 (0)91 588 2900 (Tourist Information) |
Madrid's Town Hall organises outdoor cultural events that run throughout the summer months. Events include theater, dance, zarzuela (Spanish opera), cabaret, and cinema. The main venues include cuartel del Conde Duque (concerts and contemporary dance), La Muralla Arabe (theater), La Corrala (zarzuela), Parque de la Bombilla (cinema), and Parque del Retiro's Festival de Teres de Madrid (Puppet Theater). There are indoor shows as well, at Centro Cultural de la Villa (zarzuela) and Pradillo, and El Canto de la Cabra (theater). Review © 2007, Wcities |