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MADRID, the CHRISTMAS city
If we had to choose one word to define Christmas in Madrid, that would be fiesta;
even though there are of course many others such as non-stop fun,
bright streets, celebration... Christmas in Madrid is not to be missed! When December rolls around, the city gets ready to shed its regular image and become even more dynamic and sparkly, and the number of leisure and culture offers multiplies infinitely.
Everything kicks off when the lights are switched on, illuminating the city until the beginning of January. Once again, this year prestigious designers and architects will be in charge of "dressing" the city. This time, new ideas come from David Delfín, who suggests using simple, dynamic designs for Calle Jorge Juan; Oscar Mariné, who reflects on the tranquillity and silence of the Gran Vía; and Teresa Sapey, who, among others, will be in charge of filling Plaza de Tirso de Molina with eyes which open and close.
Once more the city will boast designs by artists such as Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada, Juan Duyos and Elio Berhanyer, who are also responsible for the huge fir trees dotted around the city, including the one by Devota & Lomba, a centre piece in the Puerta del Sol.
Formed by insects and extraordinary animals whose movements are set in motion by levers, this unique merry-go-round will fly off with anyone who sets foot in it.
Spirits will also fly freely at the Teatro Fernán Gómez Gospel Festival or at the concerts offered in churches and in some of Madrid's most emblematic squares. The Royal Palace, on Plaza de Oriente, will open its doors and display one of its treasures: an 18th-century Neapolitan Nativity scene, one of the many cribs that will be on show around the city. Others will be displayed in the Town Hall and in numerous churches and museums.
While all this takes place, the city will keep up its usual fast pace. December 24th, Christmas Eve, brings family meals which include turrón (almond candy) and other traditional confectionary. December 31st is New Year's Eve, and once we have all finished swallowing our 12 lucky grapes at Puerta del Sol parties will break out all over town.
With a delicious mug of hot chocolate, Madrilenians welcome the New Year, but the celebrations are far from over. January 5 will see the climax of the festivities, when the city's main streets welcome the long-awaited Three Kings Parade. The procession, which will travel from Nuevos Ministerios to Plaza de Cibeles, will feature pages, carriages and theatre companies exuding magic and emotion.
This year, the Three Kings' message will focus on looking after and respecting the Environment. A genuine commitment for Madrid for 2009.
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Apartment Tirso de Molina
Fully-equipped flat rentals for short stays. Right in the heart of Madrid and just a 5-minute walk to Puerta del Sol, this apartment is surrounded by the most relevant museums and places of interest in the city. Located in an emblematic building, that was previously in the Jewish quarter but it has currently been restored. This apartment offers a wide range of services and facilities.
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