This is a year full of excitement for Madrid. Travelers to the city will experience the vibrant life and exciting events at every turn they take, no matter when they choose to visit.
Built in Madrid’s Royal Palace complex, the Gallery of Royal Collections is set to debut this summer. This museum invites travelers to journey through the history of the Spanish monarchy and the artistic taste of each of its leaders. It will consist of six floors that house three exhibition rooms, a reception room with various works of art, six storage rooms, offices and more. Visitors will find works by some of the continent’s well-known artists such as Ribera, Velasquez Caravaggio, Bosch, Titian and El Greco, among others.
Madrid’s culture is also reflected in the festivities and traditions that commemorate celebrations or centuries-old historical events. April 8 marks the 50th anniversary since the death of Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, and the city is set to host a series of activities to honor the occasion. The Prado Museum will host an exhibition that intersperses works by Picasso with paintings by El Greco, one of the artists that influenced him the most. Visitors can also enjoy an exhibition dedicated to the centenary of Sorolla at the Royal Palace where they can find artistic creations with digital recreations and sensory experiences from February to June.
Festivities in Madrid this year kick off on February 17, the last full moon of the winter season, with the annual Carnival—a five-day celebration that fills the streets with color, music and laughter. The “San Isidro Festival” will be held on May 15 to honor its patron saint, San Isidro Labrador. This week-long program includes concerts, parades and traditional religious ceremonies. During these celebrations, travelers can also taste local fare, including rosquillas—doughnuts in different shapes and sizes topped with a variety of options such as glaze, dry meringue and almonds. While travelers can enjoy flamenco performances year-round, May 18 kicks off the “Flamenco Madrid Festival,” a nearly three-week-long celebration dedicated to the importance and beauty of flamenco. Dancing, singing and instrumental performances will be showcased throughout this festival, along with other activities like exhibitions, round tables and master classes.
From June 8 to 10, during the “Primavera Sound Festival,” Madrid will host popular artists, including the Spanish flamenco-pop phenomenon, Rosalia. The lineup includes Kendrick Lamar, Calvin Harris, Diplo, Skrillex and many more.
In fall, the second annual “LuzMadrid” festival will celebrate the declaration of the Landscape of Light as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (October 27-29). Once again, the Spanish capital will be illuminated with innovative artistic expressions. The first edition of the festival was the recipient of A Greener Festival Award for sustainability.
Every year, Madrid hosts a range of sports events, including soccer. The redevelopment of the Santiago Bernabeu is among the most emblematic projects going on in 2023. Visitors will get to see a reconstructed stadium fit for the 22nd century. To delight soccer fans, the museum, Legends - The Home of Football, will open its doors for fans to enjoy a chronological journey through the history of soccer, using the most advanced technology, besides more than 4,000 historic objects on display.
For more information on upcoming events, visit www.esmadrid.com.
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