A GUIDEPOST REPRINT: “Horrific Changes”, 17 January 1969 »
“'The Madrid of the Future'” is a subject which I prefer not to contemplate until I have lowered several stiff slugs of coñac. As the oldest surviving foreign resident in the Spanish capital, I´ve seen some horrific changes here, man, boy and fossil. When I first arrived, the wheel hasn't been invented yet but come 2001 and the whole peninsula will be undermined by 100 layers of underground car parks. The Moorish tourists demanded hot and cold running fountains, and the good old Las Ventas Plaza de Toros is slated to become the Monumental Platillo Volante de Toros. . . "
MADRID CELEBRATES THE FEAST OF THE VIRGIN OF ALMUDENA ON A LOVELY AUTUMN DAY »
On 9 November the Madrileños celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of the Almudena, their patron saint. It was a lovely day, cool, crisp, and sunny. Typical of Madrid in the early Fall. The air was fittingly festive. The weather couldn’t be better; you’d think the Mother of Jesus Christ had asked it of her Son. There were the traditional procession, the High Mass, people joining in the festivities. They feasted on the "Crown of Almudena".
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!
SAN ISIDRO 2021, WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU »
San Isidro festivities are under way! Get into the spirit of things. Join!
A GUIDEPOST REPRINT: “LA FIESTA BRAVA: Winding Up San Isidro 1983,” 24 June 1983 »
The Isidril month of June 1983 got off to a good start with a fine corrida from Alonso Moreno which facilitated the triumphs of the toreros. At the end of the Festival in June, But at the end of the Festival, the Salvador Guardiola Fantoni bulls did not facilitate the success of the toreros. Dámaso González was his usual valiant and determined self and could have cut an ear from his second bull but he had difficulty with the kill. José Ortega Cano did not have his lucky afternoon either. Thankfully, Jose Nelo “Morenito de Maracay” went all out and earned the applause of the public for his efforts.
SAN ISIDRO CELEBRATIONS: FREE CONCERTS ON PLAZA MAYOR & TEMPLO DE DEBOD, 14 & 15 May 2017 ! »
The zesty Marileños are binging on Smart, Dumb and St. Clare Donuts, squid sandwiches, Spanish omelet, oxtail stews, a religious pilgrimage to the tune of guitars and tambourines, street parties, bullfights and concerts. Lots of free concerts!
GOURMET’S CHOICE: FEAST OF MADRID’S PATRON SAINT, MAY 15TH, Where to for Lunch »
Taberna-Restaurante Antonio Sanchez, Taberna Viña P, Casa Alberto, Bar Carmencita, Casa Domingo, Los Timbales, La Chata, Casa Toribio, El Burladeo, Casa Leandro, Tendido 7
GUIDEPOST REPRINT: “Bulls”, 13 June 1986 »
The entire plaza groaned in horror when Emilio Muñoz’s first bull made an unexpected charge and the matador turned, with capote in hand, to flee in helpless confusion
SAN ISIDRO 2013 »
AN ANCIENT FIESTA WITH A NEW TWIST
by Kris Sinclair Christian Photos: Kris, except Goya’s Pradera painting from the Wikimedia
