Travel in Spain: The Feria de Sevilla (Seville)

Travel in Spain: The Feria de Sevilla (Seville)

by Sean McNamara
The six-hour southbound bus ride passed quickly, as my anticipation for Sevilla’s famous spring Feria (Fair) grew and the monumental silhouettes of Andalusian bulls floated over the hills. Socibus, the company that shuttles travelers...

Chueca Neighborhood: The Gay Barrio - cafes, bars and clubs

Chueca Neighborhood: The Gay Barrio - cafes, bars and clubs

If you take line five to Chueca you will happily pop up smack-dab in the center of the Plaza de Chueca – arguably the epicenter of all things gay, not only in Madrid, but in all of Spain.

Lesbian Bar in Madrid: Friendly, Cheap and Fun

El Truco Lesbian Bar in Madrid: Friendly, Cheap and Fun

This girl bar on the corner of La Plaza de Chueca rates remarkably high on the friendly factor. Truco (trick) has craftily avoided the typical pitfalls of gay culture--don’t bristle, darling, all cultures have their downsides—that is, the...

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The Truco of the Trade

Gay scene: at Truco (trick), you'll find friendly girls, cheap drinks and energetic music. Located on the Plaza de Chueca, you can't find a more central venue to kick off the evening or kick back and enjoy the night. See review for details.

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Foreigners and Flamenco

Nicole Pearson, originally from Anchorage, Alaska, rehearses flamenco at Amor de Dios. Photo by Quico Lopez.

concerts

Count Down to Launch of Rocket Fest - Get Tickets Now!

by Shaquina Blake
The summer season is approaching at light speed and it’s time for the outdoor music festivals to begin!...

Clubs - Blue Riddim Drum & Bass

Not Nirvana but Close Enough

Indiscreetly spewing magenta spotlights at the northeast brink of the Parque del Oeste lies the Balcon de Rosales, a venue that definitely has its place in the hierarchy of Madrid club life. I arrived for Blue Riddim Drum & Bass...

Festival - Carnival

Carnaval - Parades, Costumes and... Sacrificial Sardine Burnings?

So you can’t jet to Carnaval in the Canary Islands or Brazil? Big Deal. Did you think Madrileñnos would miss the opportunity to celebrate one of the biggest parties of the...

Theater - Alternative Festivals

Theater in Madrid - Festival Alternativo de las Artes Escénica

The Festival Alternativo de las artes Escénica, in its 8th year, provides Madrid and surrounding areas with ground-breaking performances from around...

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The Alternative Scene

The Festival Alternativo de las artes Escénica starts today the 30th of Jan. See article for more info. Pictured is RAIO X from Brasil. Photo by Dominik Fricker .

Clubs - Ocho y Medio

Alterna-Club or Couples Counseling? You Decide

Can’t agree with your sweetheart on some of those vital issues - like where to go on a Friday night? Two friends of mine, we’ll call them T and K, feel your pain. T likes to knock back his beers to punk/alternative music in hipster joints where people wear square-rim glasses and carry sketch books in their messenger bags. K loves hip hop and salsa while sucking...

Clubbing - New Garamond

Any Club Kids Out There?

New Garamond was designed for those who enjoy nightlife and the international party scene. With its thematic spaces and utterly danceable music, this club is a delight for the eyes and ears. Upon entering, you pass through a palatial corridor leading to...

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New Garamond

New Garamond - massive venue for massive nights. See review for details.

art - Flamenco on Canvas

Flamenco Hits the Reina Sofia

Most of us, if asked to visualize flamenco, would probably conjure up the images sold to us in every tchotchke-hawking tourist trap around Puerta del Sol: castanets, brightly colored dresses, fans and shawls, images of men with guitars or the quintessential form of the foot-stamping, hand...

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Images of Flamenco

More than twelve rooms of flamenco art cover the visual legacy of flamenco at the Reina Sofia. See the review.

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Club Twist

Yet another drum addict! DJ Judge (Angel García) at Club Twist on Thursday night. See review for details.

Clubs - Space of Sound

Sunday DJ Worship

For some people Sundays are a day of rest and going to church, but for the legions of club-heads here in Madrid it’s prime party time. Every Sunday afternoon, a faithful congregation of party enthusiasts comes to Macumba to experience the revered Space of Sound....

festival - Goa Party

Club Sundays!

If you are looking for a different sort of “communion” on Sundays, perhaps the Goa Party is it. On the 25th of November, from noon to midnight DJs will spin non-stop. Everyone from the uber-hip Ivan Smagghe to the modest Belgian guys of Spirit Catcher will take a set and do their best to rock your world. Come on! It finishes at midnight – you never get to bed before then anyway!...

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Traditional Dancers

Photo by Justin Metz

Our Suggestions

Let the (MAP) Force Guide You!

The following will read like a crash course in Madrid culture. No matter what your concerns, questions or proclivities, we think you’ll be able to find something to suit your lifestyle in our medley of suggestions. As you read through the items, if you don't find what you need, check the search box at the right. If you still can't find what you are looking for, go ahead and drop us a line and we’ll try to help you out.

Clubs - Brit Pop

Supersonic Gin and Tonics - Beware!

Small, smoky, electric and eclectic - Supersonic is a grungy, nostalgic mix of misfits, the 80s, indie bands, and electronic music. Think Oasis or The Cure with a mixed-in house/funk beat that makes you dance instead of sing...

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Life is but a Dream

Photo by Adria L. Saracino

Further proof that Retiro has something for everyone. As the children in the foreground playfully "Row, row, row their boats", the hippies in the background happily "Roll, roll, roll their joints". Weekends, both of the activities are in full swing. At the base of the horse monument, the masses gather to "drum circle" the day away. The broad, circular steps in at the center are ideal for people watching, chatting and catching some sun.

Festival de Otoño

The Festival de Otoño is Picking up Where Summer Left Off

Hardly have the summer festivals finished when the fall excitement begins. Starting Monday, the 15th of October, and running until Sunday, the 18th of November, The Festival de Otoño presents a vast array of theater, dance, and music to insure that autumn is every bit as exciting as summer was. The agenda covers every possible point on the spectrum of performing arts from the high-energy modern circus of “Piratas, Piratas” to more traditional...

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Pole Dancing on the Metro?

Photo by Lindsey Rose Inman
In response to the perennial question of how to encourage people to abandon their emission-spewing autos, we at MAP Magazine pose the question: Would live pole dancing encourage you to take the metro more frequently? To linger a little longer? Facilitate social interactions with your fellow passengers? We’ve unofficially launched an inquiry into the possibility of adding a little eros to your drab daily commute. Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we explore these and other forward-thinking solutions such as complimentary lap dances in taxis and, of course, tantric massage on the city’s trains.

Get down!

Laydown Rest Club Madrid

It’s an age-old conundrum: should I languidly lie in bed or head out for a night of revelry? For many, too tired to go out but too restless to stay in, this constitutes a genuine conflict. Fortunately for the indecisive masses, there is now a brilliant compromise: a venue called “Lay Down” - or should that be “Lie Down”? Anyway, usage aside, this club/restaurant – provides an opportunity to do just that: relax in bed with friends while dining out and enjoying live performances and DJs...

clubs - the 80s

Garage Sónico: The Darker Side of the 80s

Although this week the magazine is full of “flamenco summits” and elegant evening art events, make no mistake about it - Madrid gets just as low brow as the next town. Malasaña is the “barrio” of all things uncivilized and “Garage Sónico” is the perfect point of entry...

Art - All-Night Art Festival

Noche en Blanco: Art All Night Long!

This Saturday, you have just one more reason to stay up late. In fact, you’ll be regarded as a connoisseur and a cultural gourmet if you do: for the second year in a row, Madrid will turn itself into a living piece of art. A few years ago Paris came up with the idea of opening museums and organizing activities on a Saturday night, long after regular opening hours. It was such a success that every self-respecting big European city has its own version and in Madrid they named it Noche en Blanco...

Dance - Flamenco

Cumbre de Flamenca - Free Flamenco All Week

Also see our feature on the history of flamenco.

Five days of free flamenco! That’s what the third annual “Cumbre de Flamenca” (Flamenco Summit) offers. All you have to do is get yourself to the uh... metro station, Chamartin. Ya, on one hand, performances on this scale don’t typically happen in the subway station, but, on the other hand, there is no more appropriate place considering this is a form which prides itself on being inextricably linked to the common people and folk traditions...

Feature - Flamenco

A Flamenco Primer

If you aren’t familiar with flamenco dance, just think of it as the “anti-ballet”. Ballet, which has always been in deep denial of gravity’s existence, typically features dancers who prance on toe and leap with gazelle-like facility through the air. Their hair doesn’t hang – it’s tightly wrapped atop their head; even their tutus don’t drape - they stick out primly at right angles to the body. It’s the essence of all that’s “civilized” and “celestial”. Flamenco, by contrast, luxuriates in gravity, feeds off gravity; in short, Flamenco is a temperamental, Spanish ode to the force of gravity...

Hip Hop

H-Kayne: Moroccan Hip Hop Hits Madrid!

The band leading the hip hop explosion in Morocco, H-Kayne, has arrived! They rock Sala Heineken tonight with a jamming mix of hip-hop beats and North African musical styles. In the tradition of this marginalized genre, their lyrics are making the powers-that-be uncomfortable with their frank treatment of such taboo issues as poverty, drugs and prostitution...

Night clubs

Ananda: The Best Club in a Metro Station!

Swinging beds suspended from the ceiling, an enormous well-furnished terraza, physically flawless go-go dancers, distinctive dance floors bumpin’ to diverse DJs… Ananda has everything you’d expect from a big-name Madrid club plus a few surprises...

cafe, bar, club

Marula Café: Get Punked In Style

Marula Café, named after an African fruit commonly eaten by elephants, has one of the best terrazas in Madrid - particularly because of its view. Situated on a corner right under the bridge of Calle Bailen (for the moment, we will ignore the fact that people commit suicide from this bridge), you get a view of gardens and the magnificent arch structure that supports the bridge...See other interesting links such as: Technorati Profile

Music

Alien DJs Invade Madrid!

Oh hold it, that’s DJ Allien visits Madrid – sorry! Actually, for most dance junkies the two news items are comparable – Ellen Allien’s visit possibly more mind-blowing. Even though August has left most clubs in a bit of a summer slumber, this session by Berlin’s premiere underground DJ will definitely snap the scene to attention.

Music Festival

Don’t Stop Dancing

You know summer isn’t quite over yet when outdoor dance festivals are still happening. The upcoming “Weekend Dance” is the perfect way to end a fabulous summer.

Clubs

On Blood Drives and Discos

As the searing heat of summer makes a ghost town of the ordinarily kinetic capital, the nightlife scene suffers. Cut off from their constant stream of club kids, many venues are on par with the Red Cross Blood Drives in terms of pulling a crowd.

Sala El Sol

Dancing till you see the sun

It’s the end of a hard week and you are desperate to understand some more of the illustrious past of your favorite city...

Clubs

Brit-pop Your Pants off!!!

Super sonic, a cozy space tastefully plastered with icons including David Bowie, The Libertines, Blondie and The Killers, strikes a perfect balance between a festive club and your best friend’s living room. Luis and Nacho a.k.a. “DJs Liquid Boy” and “Sweet Vicious”, the young, hipster owners, capitalize on this hominess by taking time to chat with people, learn their names and find out what they're into.

Festivals

Block Party – Not the Band, The annual Street Fiestas

For the next nine days the streets in the center will be turned into three separate party zones celebrating the Fiestas de San Cayetano, San Lorenzo and la Virgen de la Paloma thus making the world once again safe for “Botellon” a.k.a street drinking.

Serrano 41

Finally, A Hip Hop Club Kofi Annan Can Be Proud of! Huh?

For those who like to go out in Madrid, your know the two best nights are Thursdays and Sundays, and the best hip hop/R&B party in Madrid, is at Serrano 41, Sunday night. The DJs spin the hottest R&B, hip-hop, and reggaeton that easily rivals any club stateside.

Madrid Nightlife

Kapital Mega Club in Madrid!

Kapitol Calle de Atocha, 125 Thurs,Fri,Sat 12:00 - until Metro: Atocha 91 420 29 06 www.grupo-kapital.com Shaquina Blake Flip Flop Alert Kapital is one of the biggest and most well know clubs in Madrid . It is where hip young euro crowd mix wit...

From our former site

Ojos de Brujo - Hip Hop Flamenco And More!

Hip Hop Flamenco and More! Sponsored by: Leganès, Ciudad Abierta Saturday, July 7th 20.30h Teatro Egaleo Direction - METROSUR: Julián Besteiro; Renfe Cercanías: Leganés y Zarzaquemada; BUS: 484, 485, 486 (Leganés) 483, 486 y 487 (La Fortuna) Tx: 10 ...

Clubs - Supermartxe

Supermartxe - One More Party on Pride Weekend!

Hey, although there are NO shortage of parties this weekend, if you want one more, plan on this: Supermartxe. Sunday this huge venue will be thumpin’ bumpin’ giving you one last blow out before the weekend official ends.

fiestas - Gay Pride

Gay Pride - European Headquarters, Madrid

If you are reading this article outside of Madrid City, my first recommendation is to get on the Internet right know and buy a ticket: You MUST come! From Wednesday...

From our former site

Spank - Madrid’s New Favorite Gay Club

Right now Spank is one of the hottest clubs on the gay scene. Everyone wants to be at Spank a...

From our former site

Infinita 2007 - The Biggest Gay Party In Madrid!

Thus begins Orgullo Gay Week (Pride). For the next week Madrid, the European center of the celebration, will run amuck with proud people from every country imaginable. The biggest party, as is true every year, will be held in the Casa de Campo – Metro Lago. DJs include Bob Sinclair, Miguel Picasso, Ismael Rivas, Javier Gonzalez, and David Berna. The party is rumored to be a bit over the top, but that is what Pride is all about, no?

From our former site

Salsa For the Serious - Azùcar!

Before embarking down the salsa road, you might want to ask yourself "how much do I actually want to learn salsa?" The answer should help you determine which place to go. If the answer is "yeah... learn salsa... whatever... I just wanna meet girls/boys and have a bit of a laugh", you'll want a more easy-going lesson, like Cats, for example. If your answer is "Salsa! Gimme more Salsa! I wanna learn everything! Saaaaalsa! Watch me sweat blood for salsa!" you may well want to consider Azúcar...

clubs - Juglar

El Juglar - Where the Soul, Funk and Hip-Hop Happens!

If you are ready to leave the city-slicker side of Madrid and delve a little deeper into the barrios, Juglar could be the place for you – especially if you like your music on the soulful, funky, hip-hop side. Down in Lavapìes, the hotly disputed neighborhood (cool or dangerous?), El Juglar doesn’t immediately attract a lot of attention. The only thing that may catch your eye is the late-night crowds that gather in front of the bar on Friday and Saturday nights...

From our former site

Sala Juglar - Flamenco Sundays

Seeing a Flamenco show is one of the important milestones in your immersion of Spanish culture. As a stereotypical representation of Spain, it exists right up there with bullfights, the siesta, and ham, but it also exists as a soulful artistic expression with a rich history untainted by modern prejudices...

dance - Salsa Class

Salsa Lessons at Cats - Great For Beginners!

For obvious reasons, salsa is becoming more and more fashionable: it’s a great way to meet people, practice your Spanish, improve/discover your motor skills, and, later, a great way to be an annoying show off. A lot of people tell me they would like to learn, but find salsa very intimidating - especially men - so where do you start?...

Club - Reina Bruja

Reina Bruja Night Club - Representing Big-City Madrid

If you’ve ever been so bored that you've found yourself staring at your aquarium wondering what it would be like to be inside, you may want to check out the new late-night discoteca in town, the Reina Bruja. In the best way possible, it may actually give you some insight into that aquarium...

Music - Summercase Festival

Get Tickets now! Summercase festival - Scissor Sisters, Arcade Fire, Bloc Party, Flaming Lips, Air, Jarvis Cocker, PJ Harvey…

Ice cream, short shorts, and glowing tans are all closely associated with summer and, of course, music festivals are one of the season’s most important rituals. After all, it’s where some of us got our first kiss, had our first huge fight with our best friends or even had our first alcoholic drink....

music - festival at Boca del Lobo

Starting Today, Tenth Anniversary Celebration -Three Days of Concerts at La Boca del Lobo!

Funk It Up, Baby! If you are ready for three days of music that spans the spectrum from blues to flamenco to funk, look no further . La Boca Del Lobo is celebrating its 10th anniversary and has put together a week of boomin’ bands. Whatever night you choose, remember that all bands are followed by DJs...

music Mtv Festival

MTV Day 2007 - Melendi, El Sueño de Morfeo, Mikel Erentxun…

Concert - Flamenco Icon, Kiko Veneno

Free Street Party: Kiko Veneno Plays the Fiestas de Hortaleza!

Kiko Veneno is an icon of the Movida, the post-Franco cultural explosion in the 80s. In line with the alternative disposition of the Movida, Kiko remained underground for decades. During his early years, he gathered influences and honed his talent while traveling through Europe and The US taking in concerts by the greats such as Bob Dylan and Frank Zappa...

Concerts in Madrid

El Boca Del Lobo presents DJ Txarly Brown and DJ Jesus Bombin

These DJs are going to mix it up genre-wise but keep it groovy and funky. DJ Txarly Brown has just put out a disk...

Dance - XLR

XLR Dance Company - A Skateboard Ballet?

It had to happen sooner or later: the acrobatic antics of skaters would be recognized as the legitimate choreography that they are. Tonight is the last night to see XLR...

From our former site

Cultura Urbana Hip Hop Festival

Cultura Urbana Hip Hop Festival Thank God For Hip Hop Saints! Big weekend coming up! San Isidro, Madrid’s largest street festival, has somehow transformed from a religious event to a hip-hop free-for-all - strange, I don’t hear anyone complain...

From our former site

Flamenco - Casa Patas

If you’re in Madrid and you still haven’t been to a flamenco club, its well worth your time and money to spend an evening at Casa Patas. As a professio...

Dance Clubs in Madrid: SuperMartxe

SuperMartxe - Sunday Night Mega-Club

SuperMartxe (monthly Sunday party) Venue: La Riviera Paseo Bajo de La Virgin del Puerto, 3 Entrance : 15 (free before 20:00 with flyer) Drinks : 9 a cocktail Intrepid journalist Risks Life and Limb Among Gold Thongs and Bold Make Up to Deliver the...

Madrid Cafés and bars: Las Horas Cafes

Las Horas Café - A Clandestined Café

Las Horas Café Calle Magdalena, 32 Metro: Antón Martin While some cafes in Madrid give you the feeling of being seen, Las Horas Café provides you with the opposite sensation – that of being pleasantly clandestine. Lanterns and candles on the wall...

Rock bars in Madrid: The Wurlitzer ballroom

The Wurlitzer - An Afterhours Club

WURLITZER BALLROOM C/Tres cruces 12 28013 Madrid So you're walking up the Gran Via at around three or four in the morning when your buddy asks you, "Is there any place open with good music?" You give him the “I know a place” look, buy some beer i...

Klubbers Day Madrid, April 2007

Klubbers Day Madrid - DJ Festival

If you’re going to be in Madrid this Semana Santa, don’t fret there’s plenty to do with Klubber’s Day in town. The festival, back again this year, is stocked to the rafters with DJs showcasing nearly forty acts per day including Luismi F, Carlos Ho...