WE’RE SMACK BANG IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FIESTAS OF SAN ISIDRO, MADRID’S PATRON SAINT! »
If you happen to be in Madrid these days (up to 16 May), PLEASE join the festivities celebrating the feast of Madrid's patron saint, San Isidro Labrador. They're the stuff good old Madrid is made of! You won't want to miss those, will you?
THE REMARKABLE DOS DE MAYO HEROISM AND THE UGLY PANDEMIC DEBRIS »
Finally, the Madrileños can once again celebrate Dos de Mayo. Join them in commemorating how they liberated Madrid from the French imperial forces. These days when it’s coming out that undesirable elements of Madrid society have enriched themselves during the pandemic, it’s good to remember that the great majority of the Madrileños are noble-spirited and quite capable of heroism in the face of adversity.
YOUR UNIQUE INITIATION INTO THE ZARZUELA. FREE & FABULOUS! »
Various experts will talk on the zarzuela, the iconic Spanish lyric-dramatic genre that boasts spoken and sung scenes. The songs, that are danced to, incorporate operatic and popular songs. One can't presume to know Spanish culture without at least a basic knowledge of the zarzuela. So why not sign on to the "Encuentros Singulares"?
COME RAIN. . .OR COME SHINE! »
THE rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain… but if a few stray showers should sprinkle Madrid´s streets, Casa de Diego will happily see to it that all men, women and children are appropriately armed to fight the torrents. Founded in 1858 at Puerta del Sol, customers pack the premises… even with sunny skies overhead.
The Royal Theatre in Madrid Says Nyet! to The Bolshoi Ballet »
The Royal Theatre in Madrid has Nyeted the Bolshoi Ballet, which was scheduled to perform in May, "in view of the armed conflict that Russia has unleashed in Ukraine that is causing a serious global crisis and a painful humanitarian emergency." Earlier, the Royal Theater showed its "profound respect and solitary" with the Ukrainians when in the last performance of the sublime Wagner opera, "Twilight of the Gods," the corpse of Siegfried was wrapped in the flag of Ukraine.
FITUR 2022, THE DYNAMIC COEXISTENCE OF POST-PANDEMIC TOURISM AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS »
Somehow it’s comforting that on its 42nd edition, FITUR (Feria Internacional de Turismo) went ahead and held a real people-with-people trade fair instead of a disheartening virtual. This sends a clear message that tourism must not remain grounded but must instead learn to coexist with safety protocols in a world of new normal. Head-on, it has met the challenge of reinstating tourism as a key engine for economic development in the aftermath of the pandemic. For the purpose, the organizers had envisioned a robust and decisive fair, one that generates trust and optimism in the sector.
LUXURY TOURISM: MOVE OVER SECOND-RATE DESTINATIONS, MADRID’S COMING »
Madrid is vying for the honor and privilege of becoming Europe’s New Capital of Luxury Travel. The capital city's proposition is audacious. Let’s see what happens.
BELENES IN MADRID »
Saint Francis of Assisi, who spent time in Madrid in 1214 on his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, is credited for creating the first live nativity scene in 1223 in order to cultivate the worship of Christ. The scene's popularity inspired communities throughout Christian countries to stage similar exhibitions. Go visit the belenes (Nativity Scenes) in Madrid. See GUIDEPOST's list!
YOUR DATE WITH THE VICTIMS OF LA PALMA VOLCANIC ERUPTION, 17 DECEMBER 2021. BE THERE! »
On 17 December 2021, the Madrid Symphony Orchestra is offering a very special solidarity concert for the victims of the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano on the island of La Palma, the Canary Islands archipelago. Here's your chance to show your concern for the people of La Palma. Be at the concert!
TEN RINKS FOR AN ICY WHITE CHRISTMAS IN MADRID! »
Rinks to skate on ice in not-so-cold Madrid! (But wait till the surprising Madrid winter sets in and you'll get truly chilled -- to the bone! As Christmas should do?)
