Madrid being Europe’s fourth largest city, with a population
of just under three million, is a major tourist attraction. It has plenty of sunshine,
2800 hours annually to be exact, in turn this creates a lot of things to do in
the centres. Although Madrid has warm and dry summers and cool winters the city
allows for many activities in any weather condition. They hold many fiestas during
the year and in turn is a major competition between the districts to outdo each
other. Some of the common fiestas are Reyes Magos (Feast of the Three Kings),
Carnival, the religious processions of Holy Week, the San Isidro festival in May
(the beginning of the bullfighting season) and Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve).
Madrid as well has a lot of cultural festivals in the summer and fall. These festivals
let visitors enjoy films, dance, theatre and music of all kinds. You may be surprised
when entering Madrid, the clothing appears to be traditional, as they are attached
to their customs more so than any other city in Europe. The cultural diversity
of Madrid will be sure to give one a long lasting experience and a once in a lifetime
chance to live in another culture.
Some attractions to see are:
Plaza Mayor
The plaza is located in the heart of Madrid, but was once the area in which
bullfights, festivals, ceremonies, plays and the crowning of kings were held.
This one spot has created a lot of history in the Spanish community. The present
day the plaza is decorated with coloured murals and architecture. There is plenty
to do in the area with their many shops, cafes and tapas bars.
Teatro Real
Teatro Real is a place where many concerts are held and is home of the Spanish
Opera. A wonderful place to go to see theatre in a fashionable atmosphere. This
theatre makes for Madrid’s most prestigious theatre yet, however, the
building itself is still a work in progress.
Arab Wall
This is Madrid's most ancient city wall, where the remains of the old wall can
be seen as well. There are also Islamic remains that can be viewed. For a little
taste of history and understanding about how Madrid came to be, a tour of the
wall is a great adventure.