About Madrid, Spain

About Madrid, Spain | What is on, Madrid Hotels

Posted in Madrid by admin on the January 17th, 2008

This short break guide about Madrid, Spain will help you to make the most of your trip. Lists of what’s on in Madrid and recommended hotels will save you time when planning your city break.

Madrid, Spain has been occupied since pre-historic times. Situated along the Manzanares River, the capital city of Spain has a notable standard of living, is considered the financial capital of the Iberian Peninsula and plays home to three of the world’s 100 largest Fortune 500 companies; Santander Central Hispano Group, Telefonica and Repsol YPF. This most ancient city is still thoroughly modern with its innovative architecture, including its “bent” building skyscrapers called Puerto de Europa, and infatuation with the nightlife; where most of the youth go out all night and only stop to shower and head to work the next morning. If you are looking for a spirited and festive atmosphere, a perfect blend of old world and new school, Madrid is the place to be.

What is on in Madrid in 2008

Our mini-guide to what’s on in Madrid lists the top 10 events and attractions in 2008. If you take your short break in Madrid, Spain when these events are taking place, add them to your list of things to do in Madrid.

January

Twelfth Night Children’s Parade

Madrid is known for its lively atmosphere yet it is not all adult centered. The Twelfth Night Children’s Parade sweetens things up for the kiddies. Thirty horse drawn carriages filled to the brim with chocolates and sweets wind there way through the city, starting at the El Retiro parquet onwards to the Plaza Mayer. The Reyes Magos throw candy to the grinning crowd of half a million until the end of the procession where numerous child friendly activities take place throughout the evening hours at the Plaza Mayor. The parade begins each year at approximately 5:00pm and is completely free of charge. More information about this unique Spanish celebration can be found on the Spain tourism website.
http://www.spain.info/

February

Madrid International Fashion Week

Madrid is slowly but surely becoming a fashion capitol as its increasingly popular fashion week goes to show. Each February the Parque Ferial Juan Carlos I (IFEMA) hosts, the Salon Internationl de la Moda Madrid (SIMM) which showcases an ever expanding collection of womenswear from new and seasoned designers alike. The quality and liveliness of Madrid Fashion Week is helping to make the city one of the top fashion capitols of the world. And, unlike other fashion weeks, anyone can come see models strut there stuff as Madrid’s is open to the public for a low cost of 30EUR at the door, or better yet, 15 if you register prior to the event.
http://www.simm.ifema.es/ferias/simm/default_i.html
http://www.ifema.es/default.html

March

Madrid Boat Show

It is known that most Madridians are always on the go, whether they are hitting the streets, flying sky high or taking to the water. The boat show has become a prominent display of all things boating for water and water sport aficionados. Not only do nearly 210 manufacturers showcase over 600 vessels, there are also exhibits featuring canoes, kayaks, windsurfing, electronics and water garments as well. If you plan on purchasing or taking to the water anytime soon, the boat show is the way to go. The cost is 5EUR if you pre-arrange your payment and 10EUR at the door. The boat event is held each March at the Juan Carlos Exhibition Center.
http://www.emeca.com/member/eintrag.prl?s=341g.htm

April

Madrid Marathon

On your mark, get set, go! Over one hundred thousand runners start the Madrid Marathon with a bang each year. The event has been this popular since its inception in 1978 and attracts an upwards of one million spectators each year. Onlookers line the streets providing applause, cheers and support for all of the runners as well as fun by way of food stands and entertainment among it all. And in traditional Madrid spirit, parties ensue after the marathon has been run. The race sprints off at 9:00am and costs 40EUR for residents and 55EUR for non with early registration (October 1 through December 31) and 45EUR residents, 60EUR non for late registration (January 1 through March 31). All participants are 85EUR if registered in April. The cost to watch is free. The official hotel of the race is Hotel Convencion, which is located in the center of the city – right where the race kicks off – and also features special events centered around the marathon.
http://www.sletoh.com/h18998.html
http://www.maratonmadrid.org/

May

Fiesta de San Isidro

Born in 1070, San Isidro is the patron saint of farmers and Madrid and for 10 days each May the city comes alive with festivities and parties celebrating the legendary man. During the fête Latin beats and flamenco dancers fill every street corner, a small jazz festival reigns at Colegio San Evangelista, locals spill tales of folklore at San Isidro fests past in their traditional garb of tweed, cloth caps and chulpas (skirts), restaurants provide the finest delicacies and traditional eats that they can muster and thousands flood the streets to eat, drink and be merry. Bullfighting rings also open during the San Isidro fest with daily bullfights at Las Ventas. The annual Ceramics Fair and Book Fair correlate with the festivals dates for those who want to shop til they drop. As for those truly celebrating for religious reasons, there is also a fountain that spouts holy water. Plaza Mayor, Plaza de las Vistillas, Plaza de las Comendadoras, Plaza de Felipe II, Parque del Retiro and the Centro Cultural de la Villa are the places where the most activity abounds during the merriment. Most events are free of charge.
http://www.congregacionsanisidro.org/fiesta.htm

June

MTV Day

During the month of June, Madrid holds many, many concerts, one of the favorites being MTV Day. Plaza del Toros de las Ventas brings together the best performers in pop and rock music of the day. The popular television station highlights the performances for those that cannot attend the live event. Previous performers include Melendi, El Sueno de Morfeo and Nena Daconte. Most of the performers’ names are release during the month of May to gather anticipation for this rockin’ event. The best part; you might never get the opportunity to see all of these contemporary musicians under one roof again for the incredible price of 18EUR. Tickets can be found on Venta de Entradas.
http://www.elcorteingles.es/tiendas_e/cda/Entradas/Home/0%2C5192%2CECI%2CFF.html
http://www.mtv.es/

July

Summer City Festival (Veranos de la Villa)

Starting in July and going well into August, Madrid’s Summer City Festival features many various and enticing events in the realms of music, dance, zarzuelas (musicals), theatre and bullfighting. Locals who haven’t gone off on vacation partake in the better, providing fresh drinks and delicious eats for neighbors and tourists alike and nearly all of the major Madrid venues play host to cultural events including opera, tango, flamenco, jazz, zaruelas, films and other exhibitions. Madrid is known for its hand in such types of dance, music and bullfighting so there is not a better time or place to catch all of the action live than during the Madrid Summer City Festival. Pricing and times differ with individual events.
http://www.esmadrid.com/es/portal.do?IDR=622&TR=C&IDM=25&NM=1

August

The Month of Festivals

Madrid is known for its highly entertaining festivals. In the summertime the city plays host to many that pay homage to patron saints but August is the month to watch out for, as it is the month that includes three such events; Virgen de la Paloma Festival (August 6 – 15), San Cayetano Festival (August 7) and San Lorenzo Festival (August 10). During these special times, streets are decorated to the nines, Mardilenos often dress to impress in traditional Chulapo garb while they dance to Latin beats in the streets, restaurants and neighborhoods alike combine to provide delicious food for all and all involved drink and dance until they are dizzy!
http://www.spain.info/
http://www.dq-madrid.com/dq-madrid/festivals.asp

September

Feria del Motin

Each September, just outside of Madrid in the beautiful little town of Aranjuez, a top notch reenactment of the famous Aranjuez mutiny of 1808 takes place; all-encompassing battle with 200 some members included. The reenactment takes place at the historic Palacio Real, a imitatation palace of Godoy, and along, as well as in, the Tajo river. And this is not all – there is also a feisty pirate battle, a gorgeous carriage parade and the internationally known running of the bulls during this annual September event.
http://www.spain.info/

October

The Last Month of the Bullfighting Season

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, located in Madrid’s Salamanca district, is one of the world’s most highly regarded bullfighting rings. The bullfighting calendar commences each year during the San Isidro festival with daily bullfights. After the festival, bullfights run through October each Sunday, with the special date of the second Sunday in October to look out for. There is also a bullfighting museum, Museo Taurino, which takes a look at the lengthy and passionate history of the sport, famous fighters and the ever evolving style of dress. The museum also holds works of art by infamous Spanish painters such as Vasquez Diaz and Roberto Domingo. The museum’s hours are 9:30 – 2:30pm on weekdays and 10:00am – 1:00pm on Sunday’s. Las Ventas also plays host to a variety of musical events including MTV Day, held each June, featuring many current Spanish rock and pop stars performing live concerts.
http://www.las-ventas.com/

November

Feriarte, Madrid Art Fair

For more than 30 some years, Feriare, has been the object of many Madridian jewelry, furniture and art lovers affections. From stunning antiques to contemporary designers, nearly 16,000 pieces are on sale to the public during the Madrid Art Fair. Styles range from Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco to Modern and Contemporary items. The price is 9EUR; the place is Parque Ferial Juan Carlos and the time is 12:00am – 9:00pm.
http://www.elcorteingles.es/tiendas_e/cda/Entradas/Home/0%2C5192%2CECI%2CFF.html

December

Madrid Christmas Wish Tree

Madrid’s beloved Retiro Park is home to the annual Christmas Wish Tree and the celebrations that surround it. Each December, the 30 meter, hollow tree is filled with balloons. The balloons are laced with wishes and resolutions for the New Year, ready to take off into the sky in a blaze of color on January 6. Elves dance around the tree, providing balloons and cheer to all who yearn to make their New Year wish come true. The Wish Tree stands in Retiro Park from December until the balloons release on January 6 at 6:00pm.
http://www.spain.info/

Recommended Madrid Hotels

Hotel review website TripAdvisor allows travelers to thoroughly assess Madrid hotels that they have visited. The unbiased evaluations really help to find the best hotels and avoid the worst. The top 10 Madrid hotels recommended by review are:

1. Hotel Room Mate Alicia
2. Hotel Preciados
3. Catalonia Las Cortes
4. Hostel Barrera
5. Room Mate Mario
6. Hotel de las Letras
7. Senator Gran Via
8. Hotel Plaza Mayor
9. Best Western Atlantico
10. Hotel Room Mate Laura