Madrid is preparing for a record-breaking Christmas, in which they hope to exceed 90% of hotel occupancy. So that Madrid residents of all ages enjoy these dates and tourists come back, the city council has prepared a cultural and entertainment program that goes far beyond the traditional street lighting. Under the motto ‘Madrid, door of Christmas’, there will be more markets, nativity scenes in all their forms, musical shows and even an interactive winter landscape. Germany will be, in this edition, the guest country. Furthermore, the mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, revealed in the presentation held yesterday at the Casa de la Villa, the Three Kings Parade will be inspired on this occasion by the aesthetics of Victorian toys.
The inauguration of the municipal nativity scene and the lighting of the lights, which will be carried out by Almeida and Luis de la Fuente, national men’s soccer coach, will be the first activities to mark on the agenda designed by the Culture area. In addition to the classic Nativity scene that can be visited in CentroCentro, the city will house the ‘Nativity Scenes of the World’ collection, which has more than 4,200 scenarios of this type and 30,000 figures from 154 countries ranging from the 18th century to the present. In addition, several churches in the center of the capital, such as the Royal Monastery of La Encarnación, the Cathedral Church of the Armed Forces and the Monastery of Corpus Christi, among others, will serve as a canvas for the projection of a nativity scene on their facades designed by Pedro Chamizo. and under the artistic direction of Paco Azorín.
There will also be no shortage of visual spectacles. The Condeduque Contemporary Culture Center will host ‘Crystal Christmas’, an installation created by artist Miguel Chevalier that will transform the central patio into an interactive winter landscape with digital crystals that respond to the movement of visitors. In addition, the ‘Christmas Carrillón’ (Companyia La Tal) transforms a giant clock into the setting for a unique visual spectacle that will travel through different districts.
Musically, jazz, classical, baroque, soul, gospel, swing and flamenco artists and bands will perform their best songs in streets, squares, churches and balconies. The closest appointment will be the Zambombada of Madridwhich on December 15 will tour Plaza de la Villa, Calle Mayor, Calle de Santiago, Plaza de Ramales and Plaza de Oriente. To this will be added two days later the Christmas Concert offered by the Music Band of the Municipal Police of Madrid, in the Auditorium Theater of the Casa de Campo.
The Christmas markets, an essential tradition during these holidays, once again fill the city with their characteristic charm, highlighting the emblematic one of the Plaza Mayor. This year, in addition, they will be installed in numerous squares, from Arganzuela to Carabanchel, passing through Centro, Chamberí, Fuencarral, Moncloa and Puente de Vallecas. Each one will offer booths dedicated to typical products and decorations. «Christmas is one of our reasons for pride. “It allows us to better understand our past and our roots,” said Almeida.
Christmas poster by Pablo García Conde
This year, the Christmas poster is a creation of the architect and illustrator Pablo García Conde, known as Polinho Trapalleiro, who has found his inspiration in the Puerta de Alcalá as a historical symbol of Madrid, in ‘The Adoration of the Three Wise Men’ by Maíno by its artistic and Christmas connection and in the universal values of Christmas, represented by luminous spheres.
In it, a birth appears in the center of the monument, Carlos III, Ramón Valle Inclán, the children of San Ildefonso, the Cuesta de Moyano, Gloria Fuertes or a bicimad bicycle. Furthermore, it uses anachronism to bridge eras and highlight the timeless significance of these values.
Parade and Three Kings Concert
The Three Kings Parade of Madrid, of Victorian inspiration, will travel through the main artery of the capital, from Nuevos Ministerios to Plaza de Cibeles. It is an “extraordinary event where the city will enthusiastically receive the three Wise Men, who will arrive accompanied by a spectacular entourage,” Almeida explained.
That same day, at the Teatro Real, the Madrid singer-songwriter Clara Montes will star in the traditional Three Kings Concert, accompanied by the Madrid Municipal Symphonic Band. The recital, scheduled at 12:00 p.m., will allocate all proceeds to the Pequeno Deseo Foundation and will be conducted by maestro Jan Cober. Tickets will go on sale at 12:00 p.m. on December 13 on the Teatro Real website.
For all these activities, the City Council has thought of accessible alternatives and resources with the help of professionals. All information on accessibility measures, reserved spaces and discounts for people with disabilities can be consulted on the website ‘www.navidadmadrid.com’.
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