Madrid

Madrid has the honor of being the capitol of Spain. Since Madrid is the capitol, it has a place of significance within the country of Spain, as well as the European union. Madrid’s population is estimated to be three and a half million people in the year 2005. In outlying country areas, yet near the city that population expands to over five and a half million. This ranks Madrid the third largest city in Europe behind Paris and London. Madrid’s climate is mostly that of a dry arid city. Somewhat like Las Vegas, but with more precipitation. Madrid was ruled by a King until Democracy was taken to rule in 1975. Spain has played a major role in world history s being a country born to many explorers. This is evident by the many influences that were brought back and can be seen in monument architecture. From Roman to Islamic rule the city has been through much. Puert de Alcala-Alcala Gate-

Fuente de Neptuno-Fountain of Neptune

Palacio Real- Royal Palace



April 2, 2007 Fiestas and Traditions in Madrid

The first fiesta I came across was for San Isidro. He is the patron saint of Madrid and a 20 day festival is held in his honor starting on May 15th. People from the outlying areas or even in Madrid make romerias (pilgrimages), verbenas (fairs) and bullfights. These bullfights are the most prestigious in Spain and thus in all of Europe. The bullfights take place in the Plaza de Ventas. Since Madrid is such a large city, each “barrio” or neighborhood has different festivals through the year, which are too many to mention. Dos de Mayo is the celebration of the revolt of Puerta del Sol that started on the 2nd of May in 1808, which led to the War of Independence and the expulsion of French invaders. In America soccer is just another sport, but in Spain, it is THE sport. So many would argue that whenever Real Madrid plays, it may as well be a holiday for the city. Even though Madrid does have another team (Atletico el Madrid) and Spain has two other very good teams in Barcelona and Valencia, Real Madrid remains one of the most high profile, powerful and popular in all of Europe.



Real Madrid Team Logo

Las Ventas Bullfighting Ring-Madrid

April 9, 2007

Since Madrid is the capitol and seat of power in Spain, there are many political decisions that are made on a daily basis. One recent decision was to let a new political party apply to be formed and recognized in the Basque country. In 2002, a party that was backed by the terrorist organization ETA, tried to form, but was denied and now they are back in a different form. This decision made by the Supreme Tribunal in Madrid, has influenced the feeling of wanting to separate from Spain. Currently it seems that politics in Madrid are being influenced by the Basque region and it had lead to tension. Madrid remains the focal point for voices to be heard. An estimated 400,000 people marched through the streets of Madrid, in protest to the Iraq war. Demonstrations in Madrid are commonplace, as the third largest city in Europe will always be under the microscope.

International Peace March, 2003

Protest by the ALA-Alternativa para la Liberacion Animal (Alternative for Animal Liberation)

April 16, 2007

It seems that in my research of Madrid that there is no shortage of places to go and marvel at the sight of. One such place is the Museo del Prado. This museum is an art gallery of no small stature. It features the works of great Spanish artists such as El Greco, Francisco Goya and Diego Velazquez. It ranks among Europe’s and the world’s best. In what seems to be the heart and soul of Madrid. The Puerto del Sol is a plaza that sits right smack in the middle of the city. It is written that it appears as though the roads emanate from this location. Since Spain and all of Europe are such football (soccer) fanatics, it seems appropriate that one of the greatest cities in Europe have one of the greatest football (soccer) teams. Bernabeu Stadium is the home of Real Madrid and maybe the second home of tens of thousands of fans on game days.

Museo del Prado

Puerto del Sol

Bernabeu Stadium

April 23, 2007 The theme this week is that of famous people from the city of Madrid. The list is long, I am sure, but there is a group of people picked out that cannot be more eclectic and diverse. The first is Miguel Cervantes, the author of Spain’s most famous literary work, Don Quixote. Miguel was in Alcale de Henares and moved to Madrid when the first part of Don Quixote was published. Next is another man who may not have been born in Madrid, but treated Spain’s capitol as his second home. Ernest Hemingway came to Madrid in 1937 to report on the Spanish Civil War, but not before writing a story called “Death in the Afternoon” about Spanish bullfighting. During 1937 he was gathering all he could and would later write, “To whom the Bell Tolls” based on events and people he saw in Spain. He also wrote and narrated “The Spanish Earth”, which was a documentary about the Republicans fight against Franco. The next famous Madrileno is Julio Iglesias. Julio is arguably THE most famous person to come from Spain. He has sold countless millions of albums. His most well recognized song may be his duet with Willy Nelson, “To all the Girls”. The last person is a famous actress Penelope Cruz. She has starred in many well known Hollywood movies such as Vanilla Sky and Sahara.



From left- Hemingway, Hans Kahle, Ludwig Renn, Joris Ivens-along the Madrid front lines during the Spanish Civil War

Who doesn't know Julio? Who doesn't know Penelope?

April 30, 2007

The food of Madrid has drawn its history from all over the country of Spain and even Europe. In the cases of its dish that takes Madrid’s own name, Cocido Madrileño**.** The name of the dish literally means, Stew of Madrid. It takes numerous ingredients, including many vegetables and then beef, pork and chicken and is served as a combination of dishes. Another dish found to be very simple yet in many restaurants throughout Madrid is the potato omelet or Tortilla de patatas. Madrid also includes a sweet side that comes out during holidays and festivals. One such sweet concoction that can be found during the festival of San Isidro are the Rosquillas de anis, and Turron at Christmas. Rosquillas de anis are a type of doughnut that is flavored with anis, which is a leafy spice that has a slight taste of licorice. The last, well known, dessert of Madis is the Torrijas, which is a type of French Toast that is coated in sugar and cinnamon.

http://www.dq-madrid.com/dq-madrid/travel/food.asp

Tortilla de Patatas

Torrijas

Rosquillas de Anis