🎩 The Tapa Weekend: February 23
A magic festival, a religious music festival, and a play about all of us tech addicts.
By @IanMount and @AdrianBono | February 23, 2024 | Madrid | Issue #42
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Here Are 5 Things to Do in Madrid This Weekend
What a week, huh! Between the weird spring weather (yes, we’re still in winter), the tractors invading downtown Madrid and all the political drama we’ve had, we feel like we need a break.
And by “break” we mean croquetas, bravas and a caña.
Because we’re totally worth it. So make the best out of February’s last weekend. Gather some friends, everyone! We’ve got some cool options for all of you. Enjoy.
1. 14th International Magic Festival of Madrid
Magicians are apparently still a thing. As in, for the last 14 years Madrid has been hosting an international magic festival. And we’re not going to lie, we’re here for it.
Directed by renowned magician Jorge Blass, the festival gathers some of the world's most innovative illusionists from around the globe, showcasing a blend of ingenuity, passion, and talent in the art of magic.
The diverse array of performances includes the sleight of hand by Junwoo Park from South Korea; the grand illusions of Josephine Lee from the U.K.; and the visual magic of Bruno Tarnecci from Peru.
The festival also highlights the talents of Spanish magicians like Gonzalo Albiñana, the recent recipient of the National Magic Prize, and Morten Christiansen from Denmark, known for his humorous approach to magic.
International Magic Festival of Madrid. Teatro Circo Price, Ronda de Atocha, 35, Madrid. Through March 11. Check website for schedule.
2. FIAS 2024: International Festival of Religious Art
Looking for a religious experience that doesn’t involve Enrique Iglesias’ questionable singing capabilities?
The Festival Internacional de Arte Sacro (FIAS) is hosting a new edition with events in various locations around Madrid. While the festival is dedicated to traditional religious music, this year there’ll be a lot more modern options, such as jazz, electronic, folk and flamenco, totaling over 36 performances.
FIAS is a testament to Madrid's commitment to spiritual artistic expression in its many forms, from classical music to contemporary performances, and its ability to bring together tradition and innovation under one thematic umbrella: the sacred.
Venues around Madrid that will host gigs include Basilica of San Miguel, Teatros del Canal, the Royal Palace Chapel and Centro Cultural Paco Rabal – Palomeras Bajas.
Praise be!
Festival Internacional de Arte Sacro. Multiple locations around Madrid. Through March 19. Check the website for ticket options.
3. Rooftop Fun: Azotea de Cibeles is Reopening!
The fantastic rooftop bar Azotea de Cibeles has just reopened—under new management! So now that spring is around the corner, why not pay this great place a visit to ask for the first Aperol Spritz of the season?
Located on the sixth floor of the Palacio de Cibeles (aka Madrid City Hall), this bar-cocktail lounge offers unbeatable views of Plaza de Cibeles, Calle Alcalá, Paseo de Recoletos, and Paseo del Prado, as well as the Madrid skyline.
You can sample signature cocktails ranging from classics to new creations, and select spirits accompanied by small tapas plates prepared by Cornamusa chefs, Manuel Berganza and Jesús Almagro.
Pay a visit now that the days are getting longer.
Azotea de Cibeles. Plaza de Cibeles 1, Madrid. Check website for opening hours.
4. Madrid’s Chinese Temple Fair 2024
Told you that the Chinese New Year celebrations weren’t over. And now you can head over to Plaza España to keep eating, drinking and dancing like it’s 4721.
Madrid is set to dive into the Feria del Templo Chino this weekend. Be mesmerized by more than 40 performances and 16 stands showcasing traditional culture, art, and Chinese cuisine. A highlight of this year's edition is the special performances from the Sichuan province, the homeland of…pandas!
From the Sichuan Opera to an intriguing face-changing opera mask demonstration, Kung Fu, acrobatics, and other spectacular performances, there's something to captivate everyone.
Whether you're a fan of traditional arts, a foodie eager to explore Chinese cuisine, or simply looking for a fun and educational way to spend your weekend, make sure you head over there to have some fun.
Feria del Templo Chino. Plaza de España, Madrid. Feb. 24-25. Check website for schedule and shows.
5. Adictos (Addicted)
If you’re one of those people who can’t put down their phones, not even when they are seeing a play, then Adictos may be for you. This thought-provoking work, which delves into our society's complex relationship with technology, stars legendary actress Lola Herrera, along with Ana Labordeta and Lola Baldrich.
The plot revolves around people grappling with addictions to digital devices and the internet, raising critical questions about freedom, identity, and the very essence of being human in a tech-saturated world.
It portrays the transformative journey of Estela, whose evolution symbolizes the potential for change in our attitudes towards technology. This play is a mirror held up to our contemporary lives, challenging the audience to consider whether we are truly masters of our digital domains or prisoners of a digital panopticon.
Adictos. Teatro Reina Victoria. Carrera de San Jerónimo, 24, Madrid. Tuesdays to Sundays. Check website for schedule. Tickets start at €20.
👨🏻💻 Viral Stories of the Week
👸 Don’t let it go to your head…
Queen Leticia visited Salamanca and the “commenting” from the women of a certain age is classic. So lovely, so young, so beautiful… (but wait for the dig about the plastic surgery 🤣).
🔔 A Message From Our Sponsor — With a Coupon!
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MEAT is located on Calle de Santa Teresa 4, just off Plaza Santa Bárbara, and open every day from 13-16:30 and 19:30 to midnight. Reservations: 91 029 60 41.
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We’ll be back next week with more.