This summer and early fall Madrid is calling out to all culture, music, dance and theater lovers with a host of activities and performances.
“Madrid is a cultural treasure trove and one of the world’s great cities for art. The city’s three major museums — the Museo del Prado, the Thyssen Bornemsiza and the Reina Sofia — have all doubled in size in recent years, and last year a stunning new cultural [center], the CaixaForum Madrid debuted,” said Angela Castaño, director, Tourist Office of Spain, Madrid in Los Angeles.
Madrid is hosting two major festivals — Veranos de la Villa (Summer in the City), running through August, and the Festival de Otono (Fall Festival), beginning in mid-October. Both feature thousands of performances and concerts.
“Many performances are free. That’s why Madrid is a must for any culture, music and dance lover traveling to Europe,” she added.
While the exact dates for this year have not yet been announced, around mid-October through mid-November, Madrid will hold the 26th annual Fall Festival. This massive music and arts festival is expected to host a number of dance, theater and musical groups from approximately 20 countries throughout Europe, North America and the Middle East. Performances — including operas, contemporary plays, flamenco dancing and more — will be held in at least 40 venues throughout the Madrid area. Last year, ticket prices ranged from about $5-$55.
More immediately, Madrid is celebrating the warm weather with the Summer in the City program, which showcases music, dance and theater performances, as well as other free and value-packed events.
For example, Madrid’s grand 16th century Plaza Mayor, one of Europe’s most beloved main squares, will host a free concert of Liszt and Berlioz compositions on Aug. 5th. The West-Eastern Orchestra Divan, led by conductor Daniel Barenboim, will lend their musical talents to what will surely be a memorable evening under the stars.
Additionally, through Aug. 8, musical groups from Europe and North Africa will give nine free concerts at Templo de Debod, Madrid’s iconic Egyptian temple.
For those who would rather kick back in the park and catch a movie among locals, Parque de La Bombilla is screening more than 200 titles in an open-air setting. For approximately $7, clients can catch films such as “Vicky Christina, Barcelona,” “Gran Torino,” and “Harry Potter” through Aug. 31.
Dance and ballet lovers will have a treat in store for them if they are traveling to Madrid in September. Under the artistic direction of Yuri Grigorovich, Moscow’s famous Bolshoi Theatre Ballet Company will stage “Sparticus” at Teatro Real from Sept. 5-10. At press time, ticket prices have not yet been released.
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