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Photo of the day
Weekend Edition: The San Isidro Festival with (band) Líneas Albiés
Whether you are into puppets, symponies or punk music, you'll be able to find something this weekend in Madrid. See review for more.
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The Iglesia de San Francisco in La Latina
The historic Iglesia de San Francisco in La Latina. Photo by Quico Lopez.
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More Real Madrid Products than You Can Imagine!
This store ups the ante on fanaticism. Real Madrid pacifiers for you baby, water bowls for you dog, underwear for the women in your life... It just doesn't end! See review for more details.
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Shopping in Madrid: Chido Guey - Get your Funk on!
Chido Guey offers Mexican urban chic here in Madrid. For more info, check out our review.
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Lars and the Real Girl
Although it isn't uncommon these days to find your soul-mate on the Internet, when she happens to be an life-size inflatable doll, it raises eyebrows to say the least. This is the point of departure in "Lars and the Real Girl" - for more info , see the review .
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Art at the Villa Real Hotel
At the Vlla Real Hotel you don't have to leave the premise in order to see great art. The in-house collection includes everything from Ancient Roman sculpture to Modern Warhol Portraits. See review for more.
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The Streets of Malasaña
From modern cell phones to historic statues Malasaña ranges the gamut. Wander around and find out why it's the favorite neighborhood of Madrid's 20-somethings.
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English Language Movies in Madrid
Check out the Oscar-Award-winning The Counterfeiters. See review for more info.
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The Streets of Madrid
Madrid is the city of extremes. Before it was too cold, soon it will be too hot - enjoy it while you can. Photo by Quico Lopez. See more of his photos here.
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Goya's Dos de Mayo
Goya captures the uprising that took place on May 2, 1808 when the Spanish rebelled against the French occupation.
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The Sky is Fowling
Although La Latina is a festival of bars and clubs on weekend nights and a circus of flea market activity on Sunday morning (the Rastro), it also has it's quiet side - don't forget to check it out by day.
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Madrid Neighborhoods: La Latina
La Latina is affordable, artistic and fun. By day it's a lovely barrio for a stroll, in the evenings a great place for nightlife, and on Sunday it erupts in to the "Rastro" one of the biggest flea markets in all of Europe. Photo by Quico López.
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The Adler Hotel
The Adler Hotel is the located within walking distance from such stores as Prada, Ralph Lauren, Carolina Herrera and more. If you are on a shopping safari, this is "big game" territory. See review for details.
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The Mirasierra Hotel
The Royal Botanical Gardens in Madrid are are great complement to the action-packed days and nights in this 24-hour city.
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Trendy Tube is the Way to Avoid Noxious Shopping in Madrid
Trendy Tube is your connection to affordable London Fashion here in Madrid. The owner is bilingual making shopping in English even easier. The Triball zone, in which the shop is located, is known for it's seediness, but that's part of it's charm.
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Preparing for the Feria
Preparing for La Feria de Sevilla - dance, drink, food, horses and more. See for more article info. Photo and story by Sean McNamara.
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Shopping Day
Has the recent weather left you a bit blue? If it's a bit cold for terrazas or a walk in the park, don't forget your shopping options.
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Bathing a la Lichtenstein
The Thyssen Bornemisza Museum containing work from Gothic Italian to American Pop Art is just minutes away from the AC Palacio del Retiro Hotel. Don't miss the hotel's Turkish baths! See review for details.
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Plaza de Chueca
Plaza de Chueca serves up everything from coffee to cocktails - a great place to start your Madrid explorations of gay Spanish life. Centrally located, the plaza is a walk away from all bars, clubs, cafes and restaurants.
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Argumosa, the Street of Many Cafés
Calle Argumosa is lined with terrazas cafes serving juice, coffee, beer, wine and sangria. A couple of hours on this magical street will cure whatever ails you.
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The Intercultural Spring Market in Madrid
Roberto Wonka and the Chocolate Facory? Yes, that is a fountain of chocolate you are looking at. If you're seeking a quick lunchtime or evening escape in Madrid, try the current market in the Plaza de la Luna just off Gran Via. Roberto and his molten chocolate are waiting for you. For more information on Roberto's company, Chocolate Fondue (weddings, parties, conferences...), call 619 928 242.
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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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Jardines de Sabatini
The Jardines Sabatini (Sabatini Gardens) on the grounds of the Royal Palace with labyrith hedges and restful fountains are just minutes away from the subway stops Opera and Sol, as well as Los Amigos Hostel. See review for more details.
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Salvador Dalí
Just minutes away from the Westin Palace Hotel is the world-famous Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza featuring works by all the European masters. Don't miss Dali's beautifully intriguing and lengthily titled, "Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee around a Pomegranate Minutes before Waking." Whether Salvador woke on the "right" or "wrong" side of the bed that particular morning is still disputed; however, all can agree it was definitely the "surreal" side.
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Plaza Mayor from Bullfighting to Royal Weddings
Artists in Plaza Mayor capture Spanish life on canvass. Photo by Kike - also see his websites 1 & 2.
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Exhibitions in Madrid
Igor Mitoraj continues to display his sculpture along Paseo del Prado just down the street from the Madrid Ritz - near Atocha Station at the entrance to Retiro. Sponsored by Caixa Forum.
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A Holiday in Tenerife is an Investment not a Purchase
From black-sand beaches to crashing waves and luscious palms, Tenerife is sure to be an enriching experience. Story and photo by Laurie Smolenski.
Photo of the Day
A Holiday in Tenerife is an Investment not a Purchase
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Gran Via in Madrid
For more infomation on Gran Via, its history and its monumental architecture, see our article. Photo by Kike also see his websites 1 & 2.
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Royal Botanical Gardens in Madrid
The Real Jardín Botánico is in full bloom and waiting for your visit.
Shopping Madrid
Shopping for Kisses with Desigual
Desigual , one of the most distinctive brands on the market, hosted an intriguing event last night - a kissing party. Participants received a free t-shirt and permission to kiss whomever they wanted, however they wanted - assuming the feeling was mutual, of course. The notion of people from all walks of life coming together to "kiss away" their differences "smacks" of a Benetton campaign, but a kiss is a kiss - plaigarized or not. The three women above had nothing but positive things to say about their experiences.
March in review
Check Out All Events in March
March was a busy month full of tapas bars, restaurants and flamenco.
For a peek into the real flamenco scene, see our feature, Flamenco 101- A Lesson in Life . For suggestions on where to catch a bit of flamenco action, see our flamenco page.
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The Boys of Summer
It looks like "sunglass" weather is finally here. Whip out those shades and get goofy 'cause summer is coming.
Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs
1, 2, and
3.
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Las Fallas Shine in Valencia
One of the many large-scale "ninots" (puppets) created to be destroyed by fire in Valencia's "Las Fallas" celebration. See story for details.
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Modigliani
"Modigliani and His Times" traces the work of this this Italian artist from his 1906 arrival in Paris until his death in 1920. On display until the 18th of May at Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza.
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Concerts in Madrid - Amelia Ray
Amelia Ray has a CD release concert coming up on April 23rd at the Juglar in Lavapiés. See story for details. Photo by Laura Merayo.
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The Cheapest Tapas in Town at Casa Tortilla
Casa Tortilla, with it's unlimited food and alcohol, is a magnet for merry-makers like those pictured. After sufficient sangria, you too might be inspired to reappropriate that checked table cloth and use it as a fashionable headband. See review.
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Sweeping Is Such A Drag
In between Sol and Tirso de Molina in Plaza Jacinto Benavente, the old street sweep finally gets a change of clothes after decades of the same old uniform.
Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs
1, 2, and
3.
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Salamanca by Night
Salamanca is a city that boasts a world-famous 13th-century university, Cathedrals, and Roman architecture - not to mention huge tapas and great discos. How can you resist? See review. Photo by Andre Nakazawa.
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Uff!
Most make it look effortless, but shouldering the weight of Semana Santa isn't easy. Photo by Kike.
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The Kings of Leon
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Lavapiés Kids Club
Don’t mind the hype. A barrio’s reputation as being safe or unsafe isn’t always deserved. Few think twice about going into Huertas, but that’s where two hoodlums grabbed my bag (not a successful mugging). Everyone walks through Sol, but in the shadowy streets an aggressive, transvestite prostitute had to be physically removed from my arm. And down in Lavapiés? That mythically dangerous barrio of racial tensions and drug-addled loiterers? Saturday night (Sunday morning) at five o’clock a group of ten merry-makers was singing an emotive version of “Stand By Me” while dancing in the plaza. When the guitarist finished the unofficial set and someone offered him a joint, he simply said, “Thanks, but I don’t smoke pot.”
Photo by Andrew Poole
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A Rainy day to Reign
Ordinarily the hallowed statues of Semana Santa are the centerpiece of the city; however, this year due to rain they have been more inhibited than exhibited. Wrapped in plastic, they've been shown, but in a much less grandiose manner. Better luck next year.
Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs
1, 2, and
3.
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Foreigners and Flamenco
Nicole Pearson, originally from Anchorage, Alaska, rehearses flamenco at Amor de Dios. Photo by Quico Lopez.
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Celestina
"Celestina" is currently on exhibit as part of the Reina Sofia's Picasso exhibit. The exhibit presents over 200 pieces from the Paris collection as well as pieces from the Reina Sofia's permanent collection. For more infomation see review.
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Rocket Festival Takes Off
The Rocket Festival just outside sunny Granada is the place to be this summer. See story for details.
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Obama
In the midst of his first "scandal" the race question intensifies. Can Barack Obama take us beyond black and white?
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Smells Fishy
Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs 1, 2, and 3.
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Niño y Pistola
Get the inside scoop on the local music scene. From punk rock to acoustic and beyond. See our music section for upcoming concerts and other local bands. Photo and story by Jake Hansen.
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Check Your Head
The sculptures of Igor Mitoraj being shown along Paseo del Prado near Atocha Station at the entrance to Retiro. Sponsored by Caixa Forum.
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Otto and Hugo
The Museo Thyssen Bornemisza presents a unique exhibit showcasing the influence between Otto Dix and Hugo Erfuth. For more info see review.
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One of Those Days
Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs 1, 2, and 3.
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You Saw it Here First
Inspired by the Wikibivouac event this weekend, MAP set out to find intriguing urban nooks and crannies. The "Playa de Lava Pies" is such a place: an abandoned lot between two buildings filled with sand, sofas, geodesic dome structures and art. Two MAP writers, Lindy Woracheck (on saw) and Andrew Aprile (on guitar), do a relaxed little jam session here the day before the Playa is destroyed in favor of new buildings.
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Silenced
Silenciados, a play without words, is debuting in Madrid. For more information see Shaquina Blake's review.
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Un Buen Rollo
If you don't understand the title, ask a Spanish friend.
Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs
1, 2, and
3.
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Urban Revolution
Don't think of this as a satellite map; think of it as a canvas, a playground, a resource... To stretch your notion of what is possible check out the article on . Wikibivouac .
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Big Wig Pig
Saturday Night was the official CRDI political event. Pigs descended on a local venue in Malasaña to rally for their leader. The photo captures the CRDI candidate as he arrived in a white stretch limo giving the standard pig salute. For more information see the story by Karina Stenquist with photos by Kike.
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History of Revolution
In memory of the 200th anniversary of Spanish Independence from France, year-long exhibitions are being held. See article for details.
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Another Protest Today
Today (March 1) in Sol at 18:00 there will be another protest regarding housing prices. For more info see http://www.vdevivienda.net/.
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Take a Break
It's the end of the week, it's the end of the month - relax! Photo by Laura Merayo for more examples of her work see her blog.
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Zap Speaks to the People
More visual irony by our man on the street.
Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs
1, 2, and
3.
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Gabriele Basilico's Intercity
Basilico's photograhpic exhibit covers architecture from around the world. See article
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How Many Times Will this Bull Die?
Should we clone exceptional bulls so that they can fight to the death more than once? See article for details.
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Immigration Rally
Photo by Karina Stenquist. For a report on Saturday's Immigrant Rally see Karina's article.
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There Will be Blood
Photo:"There Will be Blood" is mezmerizing and perhaps genius according to Karina Stenquist's review.
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Spring in February
With unseasonably warm weather and flowers blooming in Retiro, it is looking like a strangely early spring. Can we expect summer in April?
Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs
1, 2, and
3.
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Naked Coffee
As Molly found out the hard way, un cafe "desnudo" isn't the same as a cafe "desnatada" - be careful with your Spanish! Photo by Molly Norris .
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Myth of Sisyphus
Don't let Monday make you feel like that tragic mythological figure perpetually fated to push the boulder up the hill only to see it roll back down. You can look forward to a week of fashion shows, inter-cambios, exotic restaurants, great movies and more.
Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs
1, 2, and
3.
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Expecting?
If you are expecting the ordinary Hollywood fluff on this one, think again. For a review on Juno see Abha Malpani's review.
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Eye on ARCO
ARCO, the biggest art exhibition of the year, is here. See review for slide show and more info.
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Lust is the New Love
Forget the classically romantic Valentines scenarios! For something sexier and more practical, check out our club guide - it has something for everyone.
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Planet Retiro
Justin Metz of Madrid's premiere stock photography Web site, Photos Madrid surprises us with this unique 2D, 360 degree perspective, bird's eye angle from a... uh... ground point of view... Okay, my head is spinning. Anyway, it's a damn cool photo!
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Fashion February
February is fashion month in Madrid with events throughout the city from the cat walk to trade shows to Latin American Fashion. See Shaquina Blake's review for more info.
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Clear Ideas
Once again Jacobo brings us an insightful perspective on the election.
Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs
1, 2, and
3.
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The Epic Battle of Church and State
The Battle of Church and State intensifies as election day draws nearer. The CNT-sponsored poster reads, "Religion out of the School! For an education that is secular, scientific and rational."
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Spanish Film History
Poster link. Until March 11th there's an exhbiit on Madrid in film. Read the review before rushing heading out - it's a bit bare bones.
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Under Construction
As long as the city is perpetually under construction, you might as well find beauty in it.
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Anne Frank as a Musical
Photo:If you are having a lot of difficulty imagining the story of Anne Frank being turned into a musical, you're with us. See review for details.
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Obama for yo Mama
Jenny Pro Shows her support at the Democrats Abroad Super Tuesday party. See article for details.
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The Election Game
As the Spanish elections approach, the game intensifies. Each side gambles by proposing tax incentives. Is this a case of legit economic stimulus or "escondido" (hidden) vote buying? See today's blog for details.
Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs 1, 2, and 3.
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Voting to Save the Universe
Uncle Sam with flags coming out his ears, a woman in an American flag burka, and Evel Knievel? Hey kids, let's all vote before it gets any worse!
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Disembodied
Sometimes you lose yourself just a bit in the city.
Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs 1, 2, and 3.
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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 .
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Art and Life
Sometimes life imitates art and sometimes art imitates life. Other times art just stares at life in a state of bewilderment.
Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs 1, 2, and 3.
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MAP Party
Shot from the MAP party on Friday - Jolijn van der Zanden and Quico Lopez. From Holland to Brazil to the UK to the US, a great crowd turned out at for Drinks with the MAP Crew. Stay tuned for more parties.
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Reading the Writing on the Wall
Photo by Monika K. Adler. See more of her work at websites 1, 2, or 3.
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King of Creativity
Juan Carlos Lecaros, King of Creativity, strikes again in Lavapiés. Pictured here, he is explaining his most recent project a massive, collaborative collage. See article for details.
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Knife Sharpener
A dying art? As seen throughout the city a certain generation of men are still plying there trade as... cycle sharpeners? On bicycles equipped with sharpening wheels, they arrive and set up shop for the afternoon.
Photo by Jacobo de Castro. For more Madrid photos and writing by Jacobo see his blogs 1, 2, and 3.
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The Oxford Murders
Photo: Elijah Wood stars in The Oxford Murders, the new thriller by Spanish director, Alex de La Iglesia. See review for details.
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Another Layer of History
Poster for Ana Torroja, former lead singer of Mecano, the legendary Spanish group. Photo by Daniel Pérez
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New Garamond
New Garamond - massive venue for massive nights. See review for details.
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Stephen K Amos
See British Comic Stephen K. Amos Friday night in Madrid. See review for details.
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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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Madrid Photojournalism: Luis Ramón Marín
The work of Luis Ramón Marín is on Exhibit until the 21st of January. See review for details.
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Tank Time
Photo by Daniel Pérez . With Temperatures dipping into the negatives today, it's time for the butanos - butane tanks.
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Club Twist
Yet another drum addict! DJ Judge (Angel García) at Club Twist on Thursday night. See review for details.
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I am Legend
Photo: Robert Neville (Will Smith) comforts his daughter, Marley (Willow Smith), in "I am Legend". The similarity between the two names above is no coincidence - they are father and daughter on and off screen. See review for more info. Other reviews available here
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Babyshambles Comes to Town
Read the rumors about cats on crack , get the info on the concert!
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Stephen K Amos
Don't miss the hilarious stand up of Stephen K. Amos - see today's review for more info.