In many tapas bars in Madrid you’ll be invited to a small snack when you order your drink. Visitors to Spain often assume that these ‘tapas’ are a nationwide tradition, however, this is not the case. Originally from Andalucia, the idea of giving a small snacks (a tapa) with a …
Throughout the history of bullfighting there have been more than 530 professional bullfighters killed in the ring. These fatalities include a number of legendary matadors who sustained fatal injuries such as Joselito, Manolete and Paquirri. While medical care and safety measures have improved over time, the threat of being fatally …
Whilst Madrid is notorious for its lively nightlife it can’t compete with the wonders of Andalucía and other parts of Spain when it comes to specific festivals. The main annual event is San Isidro which celebrates the city’s patron saint. Other festivals in Madrid such as Dos de Mayo and …
Whilst Catalonia has banned bullfighting, Madrid has protected it as an artform which is considered to be of special cultural value. Anyone guilty of trying to stop bullfights taking place is subject to substantial fines for attempting to damage Madrid’s cultural heritage. This puts bullfighting in Madrid on a par …
From New Year’s parties to Three Kings Day parades the early part of the year is a busy time for celebrations across the country. Other major festivals in Spain in January include the La Tamborrada drum playing procession which is part of the Festivals of San Sebastian. Palma de Mallorca …
A visit to Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is high on the bucket list of most European football fans. The iconic home of the thirteen times European champions is one of Madrid’s top tourist sights which attracts fans from all over the world every weekend. As well as reserving a …
Atlético Madrid’s league and cup double in the 1995–96 season was their first La Liga title in 19 years. Unfortunately, for Los Rojiblancos this success was short lived with the team being relegated to the second tier of Spanish football for two seasons just four years later. Their Europa League …
The Prado Museum in Madrid was one of the world’s first public art galleries when it was established in 1819. As the size and variety of its collection grew, it soon became recognised as one of the world’s greatest art museums and one of the city’s top tourist attractions. Today …
There are some remarkable day trips from Madrid which allow visitors to the capital to learn about the country’s historical legacy which defines modern-day Spain. From the medieval masterpiece of Toledo to the legends of Segovia, each destination offers a unique glimpse into the country’s past. Ávila’s fortress walls and …