It is not cold in Madrid, it is Christmas. This is one of the slogans that the city council of the capital of Spain has chosen this year to welcome such an endearing holiday. Since the end of November, the Christmas spirit has spread through the streets of Madrid to give it a unique charm. It is true that this city can boast of having many festivals with which to attract visitors and brighten its streets, but none is as special as Christmas.
As singer Andy Williams used to say in one of his popular songs "It's the most wonderful time of the year." Thus, What better way to go to Madrid during this time of year to enjoy all the plans that the capital offers us? There are them for all ages and for all tastes. Can you come with us?
Christmas lights
One of the main attractions of Madrid during these holidays is its particular Christmas lighting. The first traces of electric lighting in the streets of Madrid date from the 60s according to municipal archives.
These Christmas lights meet the strictest requirements of respect for the environment and energy efficiency, lighting more but consuming less. This year Arenal Street, Carmen Street, Puerta de Alcalá, Puerta del Sol Fir, Preciados Street and Plaza Mayor are illuminated with new designs.
Specifically, the fir tree of Puerta del Sol has been designed by the German architect Ben Busche, who has also designed the lighting for the streets of Carmen, Arenal and Preciados, in the section between the squares of Callao and Santo Domingo. In addition, three illuminated fir trees have been placed in the Red de San Luis (Gran Vía with calle de la Montera), sponsored by Movistar, the Plaza de Colón with calle de Génova (sponsored by the Sociedad Estatal de Correos y Telégrafos) and the Plaza de Callao (sponsored by Loterías y Apuestas del Estado).
Among the other lighting proposals we can find the decoration of designers such as Ángel Schlesser, Hannibal Laguna, Purificación García, Ana Locking, as well as the architects Sergio Sebastián, Teresa Sapey and Ben Busche and the graphic designer Roberto Turégano.
Christmas bus
The City Council, through the EMT, puts tourist buses into service so that families can enjoy the Christmas lights in the most comfortable way. These buses are called "Christmas buses" and cover a forty-minute route through the center of the capital that leaves and arrives at the Plaza de Colón.
The service hours are from 18:00 p.m. to 23:00 p.m. and the general price of the ticket is 2 euros, although, as in previous years, children under 7 years of age travel for free. In addition, those over 65 pay a reduced rate of 1 euros. The "Christmas buses" will provide service every day of this period except December 5 and 24 and January 31.
Nativity scenes exhibitions
Many churches and cultural centers in Madrid organize exhibitions of nativity scenes, to the delight of young and old, which remind us of the true origin and meaning of Christmas. It is an excellent occasion to admire these compositions exhibited with such care. This year some of them will be installed in the CentroCentro Cibeles, the Madrid History Museum, the Almudena Cathedral, the Royal Palace, the Royal Post Office, the Casa del Lector, the Basilica of San Francisco el Grande or the Iglesia del Holy Spirit among many others. However, in any corner of Madrid you can find a nativity scene where you least expected it.
Extraordinary Christmas Lottery Draw
Image via Public
One of the key moments of Christmas in Spain is the great draw for the Christmas lottery that has taken place since 2012 at the Teatro Real in Madrid. During the morning of December 22, those who have bought a ticket will be able to dream of the possibility of being awarded the Gordo (the highest prize in the draw) and make their dreams come true. The children of San Ildefonso have been in charge, from the beginning, of singing the numbers.
The origin of this classic draw dates back to the 1812th century, in the Cortes de Cádiz in 1892. At that time it was considered as a means to increase the income of the public treasury without putting pressure on taxpayers. In XNUMX it began to be called Christmas Sweepstakes.
Currently, the raffle is a real show that the public who wishes can attend for free. Starting at 08:00 on December 22, the doors of the Teatro Real will open to access the room.
If you visit Madrid during these dates, one of the most famous lottery administrations is Doña Manolita, on Calle del Carmen 22, next to Puerta del Sol. Its popularity is due to the large number of prizes it distributes on December 22 and for There are very long queues that can last hours to get a tenth. But what if it touches?
San Silvestre Race
The most sporty will also have an appointment at the Carrera San Silvestre, the traditional Christmas sporting event in Madrid on December 31. This competition has increasing popular support and participation. Although the enrollment quota increases every year, they sell out quickly so if you are thinking of participating you should be careful.
Christmas shopping
Shopping enthusiasts will be able to enjoy a wide assortment of shops in the downtown area and the Christmas markets throughout the city. Some of the most outstanding are those of the Plaza Mayor, the Plaza de España, the Plaza de Jacinto Benavente, the Mercadillo del Gato in the Cultural Center of the Armies or the Mercado de la Paz in the Salamanca neighborhood. Surely in some of them you will find the perfect gift this Christmas.
Three Kings
During the early hours of January 5 to 6, while everyone sleeps, the Three Wise Men deposit gifts in homes around the world. The previous afternoon they go through the streets of the city in a spectacular parade to greet everyone present and distribute sweets.