šThe Tapa Weekend: December 22
A Santa Claus race, a flamenco gala and a majestic Christmas recital.
By @IanMount and @AdrianBono | December 22, 2023 | Madrid | Issue #35
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Here Are 5 Things to Do in Madrid This Weekend
Itās finally Christmas weekend! So while you run to Amazon or Ali Express to do some last-minute shopping because, letās face it, we always leave these things for last, here are five fun christmassy things to do this weekend while you wait for PapĆ” Noel to climb down your chimney.
ā¦or rather to show up at your doorstep because no one has a chimney anymore. What is this, Victorian London?
Anyway, Merry Christmas and/or non-denominational festivities, everyone!
PS: Weāll be off for the next two weeks but fear not, we will be back in the unlikely case that something big happens.
1. Carrera PapĆ” Noel 2023: Lots of Runners Dressed as Santa Claus
Letās start with this Sunday.
The Santa Claus race celebrates itās 12th edition this Christmas Eve. Itās an annual event in which thousands of runners from all ages (yes, even kids) gather at the Paseo de Recoletos and cross the streets of downtown Madrid to participate in a 5K race that kicks off the pre-Christmas Day festivities.
The charity race supports the Cruz Roja (Red Cross) and its project for Vocational Training for Youth at risk of social exclusion. This project āenables many young people to take advantage of this training in order to develop their personal and professional skills with personalized and individualized supportā. And that is good.
The Red Cross has for over 30 years been providing training and guiding young people between 16 and 29 years old who lack a high school diploma or vocational training. So you get to have fun with friends and family, all while doing it for a good cause.
La Carrera de PapĆ” Noel. Corner of Paseo de Recoletos and Salustiano OlĆ³zaga, Madrid. Dec. 24, 10:30 a.m. Tickets: ā¬14.60. Sign up via website. Limited availability.
2. The Great Flamenco Gala
Get your fancy clothes because itās gala time this Christmas Eve!
Gran Gala Flamenco, the most-watched flamenco show in the history of Barcelona, makes its debut in Madrid at the Teatro EDP Gran VĆa, offering a complete immersion into the flamenco world with choreographies created by some of the most acclaimed Spanish dance companies.
With the artistic direction of renowned guitarist Tati Amaya (great-nephew of the legendary dancer Carmen Amaya), over 20 years of uninterrupted programming and over 3 million tickets sold, Gran Gala Flamenco is in town this weekend (and on Jan. 1), to let you experience first hand the exciting world of flamenco. And trust us, itās no tourist trap.
From castanets to long-tailed dresses, fans, exquisite attire, and original music, this show has it all. If you were thinking of a flamenco show to go see this holiday season, this is it.
Gran Gala Flamenco. Teatro EDP Gran VĆa, Gran VĆa 66, Madrid. Dec. 24, 6 p.m. & Jan. 1, 7 p.m. Tickets start at ā¬35.
3. Christmas Concert at the Royal Theater
We were going to post this amateur video above but we honestly donāt think it's fair considering how amazing this Christmas recital is. In fact, this is the Christmas recital in Madrid, which takes place every Christmas Eve at the Royal Palace (and it usually sells out because of how great it is, so hurry up).
In other words, this Dec. 24 get ready to welcome Christmas with a concert of carols and popular songs performed by a symphony orchestra, choir, and soloists. Prepare to tear up as you enjoy timeless songs from the holiday season and from around the world.
From classic Spanish carols to contemporary Christmas classics from Mariah Carey, this event has it all. āJingle Bells,ā āO Holy Night,ā āHallelujahā and, of course, āAll I want for Christmas is Youā. Itās basically the entire Home Alone soundtrack. Run to buy your tickets now.
Concierto de Navidad. Teatro Real. Pl. de Isabel II, s/n, Madrid. Dec. 24, 12 p.m. Tickets start at ā¬35.
4. Borealis
Ever wondered what it would be like to see the aurora borealis in Madrid? Well, hereās your answer. And you better hurry up because today is the last day to enjoy it.
The Centro Cultural Conde Duque is hosting a lights installation in its Central Courtyardāone that recreates the astronomical phenomenon commonly seen in the arctic circle (which happens to be where Santa Claus lives!). Thatās right, this incredible installation called Borealis recreates the Northern Lights.
The Borealis installation is created by Dan Acher, who works in Switzerland using art as a tool for social change and presents his āartivistā work, as he likes to call it, in major cities around the world. The installation's soundtrack is composed by the French composer, Guillaume Desbois.
Borealis. Centro Cultural Conde Duque. Calle Conde Duque 9, Madrid. Friday, Dec. 22. Free admission until full capacity is reached.
5. Teatro Circo Priceās La Casa del Arbol
Hereās one for the kids. Especially those kids who have fantasized about having a magical tree house.
This year, the Circo Price arena ābecomes a giant tree where Sarah and Jose invite their imaginary friends to show them how Christmas is celebrated in their countriesā.
The show is for people of all ages who want to discover āthe many ways people bid farewell to the year as it prepares to welcome another. From Japan to Mexico, from South Africa to Spain, Sarah and Jose will experience the celebration of life that travels the planet... without leaving the treehouseā.
The circus ākeeps its date with Christmas ā¦ with a sweet, fun, and imaginative show in which circus acts take the spotlight.
Directed and written by Emiliano SĆ”nchez Alessi, and featuring artists from Spain, Ethiopia, Chile, France, Argentina, and more, Circus Price at Christmas: La Casa del Ćrbol will āwelcome you with all the excitement of a new year beginningā.
La Casa del Ćrbol. Teatro Circo Price. Rda. de Atocha, 35, Madrid. Through Jan. 6. Check website for times. Tickets start at ā¬15.
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