Madrid is the capital of Spain. It’s economic and political importance, as well as its major cultural influence, rank Madrid as one of the major global cities of the world. Madrid is a city of great cultural importance. Madrid is the land of festivals.These festivals and annual events, cutting across religious boundaries, caste division they offer a common platform to unite the people of Spain together.There are excellent cultural festivals taking place all throughout the year.
New Year
At New Year’s Eve thousands of people meet at Puerta del Sol to celebrate the start of the new year together. It is tradition to eat a grape and make a wish to each of the twelve strokes of the clock, which herald the new year. This event is shown countrywide on TV.
Carnival
Carnival has been celebrated in Madrid since the Middle Ages. General Franco prohibited the tradition of carnival during the civil war but in 1976 the processions continued and they gained more and more in popularity. On the last day of carnival you can be witness of the Entierro de la Sardina, the funeral of the sardine at Paseo de la Florida, where a sardine made of cardboard is being carried in a coffin along the streets.
Semana Santa
During Holy Week impressive processions and events take place in Madrid. Sinners do penance for their misdeeds, during the most important days of Monday, Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Sunday. Colourful processions move throughout the city in honour of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. This is a huge event, many streets are closed and you have the feeling that everyone is outside!
Feria de San Isidro
This religious event takes place in May (8 – 15) in honour of the patron saint of the city. The festival starts with a speech of the mayor on Friday before the 15th and ends with a traditional Cocido Madrileño meal a traditional dish, similar to a stew on the Sunday after May 15. During this time the most important bullfights take place in the arena of Las Ventas, you can also visit one of the many lively festivals in the street or watch an excellent theatre performance. Many Madrilenians wear their traditional costume.
Veranos de la Villa
This cultural festival takes place between August 1st and 15 and you have the chance to see numerous exhibitions of photographs and art, operas, concerts and theatre performances. Among those performances are smaller and less known bands and ensembles but around Plaza España you can also see the appearance of internationally famous groups and musicians. During the night the party continues at Plaza Mayor and surroundings until the early morning hours.
Jazz Festival
The Club de Música y Jazz San Juan Evangelista has been organising the annual Jazz festival in Madrid since the year 1970, where Jazz legends like Chick Corea or Dizzy Gillespie have been performing in the last years.The aim is to attract as many people as possible, so they keep the admission price low. It takes place in November. A must for Jazz and music fans!.
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Barcelona Guitar Trio: Masters of the Spanish Guitar
Enjoy the best of the Spanish guitar repertoire in Barcelona. Manuel González, Xavier Coll, and Luis Robisco offer an exciting concert.
The 'Maestros de la Guitarra' festival brings together three acclaimed contemporary flamenco guitarists. The program includes works by Albeniz and de Falla, as well as music by Piazzolla, Lorca, Chick Corea, and Paco de Lucía.
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SABUNG AYAM