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TOKYO OLYMPICS, A BEACON OF LIGHT OR A SUICIDE MISSION?
July 20, 2021
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THE LAVENDER IS SPANISH TOO!
July 15, 2021
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A Second Opinion: Moving Part III
July 15, 2021
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“FARRUQUITO Y AMIGOS” IN THE TEATRO REAL
July 4, 2021
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MUSINGS, A TRILOGY: BRIDGES
June 28, 2021
ON THE TOWN
Restaurants and bars, movies, theater, dance, sports arenas, even the home… Keep abreast of what’s going on where, and how you can have the greatest fun.
TOKYO OLYMPICS, A BEACON OF LIGHT OR A SUICIDE MISSION?
At the height of the pandemic, on 2 March 2020, the Tokyo Organizing Committee had confirmed that preparations for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics were "continuing as planned". The IOC did the same. But the widespread sentiment was that Tokyo 2020 should be postponed if not entirely canceled. Today, not even a no-spectator restriction would appease those who don't want the Olympics this summer. COVID-19 has made Tokyo 2020 historic even before it could begin.
“FARRUQUITO Y AMIGOS” IN THE TEATRO REAL
On July 9th, the purest Flamenco will resound in the halls of the Teatro Real with the presentation of “FARRUQUITO Y AMIGOS”, when three generations of the FARRUCA family will appear on El Real's hallowed stage. Says Farruquito: “I want to share with the audience the basic essence of my flamenco, which is a fusion of improvisation and choreography, two concepts I learned at an early age.” The dancer confesses to barely sleeping or eating for the past two weeks, awaiting the auspicious occasion of his presentation for the very first time in the Teatro Real!
ANOTHER WAY FILM FESTIVAL: HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO BE A MOVIE PRODUCER, DIRECTOR OR SCRIPTWRITER, OR ALL OF THE ABOVE!
Maybe you’ve got great stuff in your drawer. If it needs polishing up, do it quick and submit it to AWFF. Who knows? Someone out there is a Pedro Almodovar in the making. It could be you!
MADRID LAUNCHES A NEW INTERNATIONAL TOURISM CAMPAIGN
In its latest endeavour to inspire future visitors to the city, the Madrid City Council’s Tourism Department has launched a new international tourism campaign to promote the image of the capital. The target is the city’s main strategic markets and the aim is to secure Madrid’s position as a world-leading urban destination.
SAN ISIDRO 2021, WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU
San Isidro festivities are under way! Get into the spirit of things. Join!
THE LAVENDER IS SPANISH TOO!
If you go by fame alone, you’re bound to think there were only two varieties of lavender worth naming in Europe: the English lavender and the French. But giving them a run for their money is the Spanish variety. And the small town of Brihuega is the place to go -- and enjoy the spectacular display of Nature's very profitable work of art.
MUSINGS, A TRILOGY: BRIDGES
Standing on the new bridge, on the Camino, I looked down. Below me was an old Roman bridge. A past life. The river alive with movement and memories. And to my surprise, my shadow was down there also. I was at the beginning of a new life, looking back to see where I had been, also looking forward to the future wondering what might be.
JESUS CARMONA, A TWO-PART STORY. Part 1: WHAT MAKES A DANCER THE WORLD’S BEST?
Extraordinary talent . Brilliant career . Powerful performance at the Festival . Eminent jury . UNESCO and Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation patronage . Lofty aims . Mythical setting (Bolshoi Theater) .
JESUS CARMONA, A TWO-PART STORY. Part 2: Carmona Takes a Giant Leap
Carmona's "Salto" is a leap into a new model for the creation of dance shows. One with strong overtones of social commitment. It is equally a leap that takes Spanish culture to new heights, giving it an unquestionably global dimension.
We’re in Summer Now!
The longest day of the year marks the beginning of summer. To celebrate the solstice, people in Spain party from night to day during the magical Noche de San Juan.
NEWS ALERT: U.S. CITIZENS TRAVELING TO SPAIN
Effective June 7, 2021, vaccinated U.S. citizens can travel from the United States to Spain upon presentation of QR code generated through Spain Travel Health portal, and a medical certificate showing recovery from COVID.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE EU’S “GREEN PASSPORT” — Better Known as the EU Digital COVID Certificate
Everything you should know about the EU Digital COVID Certificate, sometimes known as the Green Passport! Get it straight now, for your own safety it's going to be in use across the European Union and a few non-EU countries starting 1 July 2021 and until the pandemic is finally trashed. Spain is one of the countries ahead of this plan.
A GUIDEPOST REPRINT: “Madrid’s Monuments, San Francisco el Grande,” 11 September 1970
"On the spot where the Basilica of San Francisco el Grande stands today, St Francis of Assisi erected a small hut after he arrived in Madrid in 1217. This humble dwelling became a small monastery and refuge for the poor. In the fourteenth century, it was replaced by a larger one which was remodeled and enlarged in 1617. During the 17th century, it was one of Madrid’s most popular churches. It contained many fabulous tombs, including that of the wife of King Henry IV. Finally, in 1760, the older buildings were razed, in order to make way for a more magnificent structure. The one that stands today."
THE TOURISM THAT’S HERE ALREADY: What’s it Like?
The affluent post-Covid tourist seeks gourmet gastronomy in a safe and less crowded back-to-Nature environment. The lower-income would-be tourist won't be traveling yet.
THE COAST IS CLEAR
The pandemic in Europe is easing off satisfactorily, allowing Spain to finally open up its ports to international cruise ships. Get to know the fabulous ports that await you!
THE REAL MADRID
Any and everything about the fascinating capital city of Spain — and the Autonomous Community of Madrid — from its rich history through its vibrant present to what the future holds, recounted from every angle imaginable.
This category, however, goes beyond Madrid; it embraces stories of what occurred, are occurring, and will probably occur in the Spanish nation whose capital is Madrid.
CLASSIC RESTAURANTS AND THE PERIL OF THE PANDEMIC: (1) Casa Salvador
As Salvador and his nephew Pepe were both warm and outgoing and served great food, Casa Salvador, founded in 1941, became a meeting place for people from all walks of life: leading politicians, influential bankers, journalists, writers, artists, entertainers and, of course, bullfighters, because both were keen aficionados. The list of regular diners and celebrities is endless. And Angeles, third-generation Blázquez, says: "I love what I do and I am determined to keep the doors to Casa Salvador open during these difficult times"
A GUIDEPOST REPRINT: “The Renaissance Quartet — Middle Ages Music Re-Created”, 11 December 1970
Could you believe it? "The organ grinder and light operas called zarzuelas are considered quaint among Madrid’s young sophisticates." And that's supposed to be a sign that "Madrid is rapidly becoming as culturally cosmopolitan as other great European cities" and that the nation's capital is "certainly musically coming of age." That, at least, is what Guidepost had observed on 11 December 1970.
NOCHES DEL BOTANICO, THE NIGHTS OF THE OLD NORMAL PERHAPS?
When school is out for summer and the campus is emptied of students, it could happen – and does – that music would flow into the vacuum, calling people back that they might give a listen to music. This is what’s happening at the Complutense University now. With its 86,000 students gone for vacation, the university’s Alfonso XIII Royal Botanical Garden is converted to an open-air auditorium during the warm and fragrant nights. Forget the classrooms! Let the music flow. Rock. Soothe. Vibrate.
WHAT’S GOING ON, PER THE AMERICAN CLUB. CHECK IT OUT HERE!
President's Letter <> July holidays, USA & Spain <> Juneteenth <> Historical dates <> ACM member spotlights <> etc.
THE AMERICAN CLUB OF MADRID JUNE 2021 NEWSLETTER
The American Club of Madrid Newsletter June 2021 is out. Check in and see!
SAN ISIDRO GETS A ROUSING WELCOME-BACK (IN PANDEMIC FORMAT)
The San Isidro as celebrated in 2021 may not be at full throttle but it is close enough. Next year, it will be all systems go. Just keep your fingers crossed!
ELECTION RESULTS IN MADRID: VICTORY TO THE RIGHT, DEBACLE TO THE LEFT, ABSOLUTE DISASTER AT THE CENTER
Resounding victory for the conservative party, Partido Popular, with the now indisputable leadership of Isabel Diaz Ayuso in the region. Unmitigated debacle for the socialist PSOE and the far-left Unidas Podemos. The pitiable disappearance of the center-right Ciudadanos from the regional Assembly
MADRID SNAP ELECTION JUST AROUND THE CORNER (4 May 2021)
All polls point to a coalition of parties ruling the region! Guess which!!
