đThe Tapa Weekend: December 20
The Christmas lottery draw, an Agatha Christie play and another Christmas market.
By @IanMount and @AdrianBono | December 20, 2024 | Madrid | Issue #80
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Here Are 5 Things to Do in Madrid This Weekend
Itâs Friday again!
If there was a time for you to go buy your Christmas presents, this is it. And since youâll probably be exhausted from all of the pushing and shoving that comes with walking around downtown Madrid in December, why not decompress with one of the plans we offer below?
From a Christmas market on Gran VĂa to attending the live draw of the Gordo de Navidad lottery, this weekend has it all. So grab your dĂ©cimo quickly because youâre running out of time. If you become a millionaire, please remember to get us a beer.
Enjoy!
1.đ€ Spanish Christmas lottery live draw
This is a weird one, but a fun one.
Every year before Christmas the country comes to a halt to see the draw of the Gordo de Navidad (aka the Grand Prize) Christmas Lottery Draw. You know, that one magical plot twist that can help us leave behind our mundane and miserable existence and exchange it for a yacht near Santorini (where weâll still be mundane and miserable, but rich). But we digress.
The Teatro Real in Madrid has been the setting for the draw since 2012 and yes, you can go see it live this Sunday morning! (Last year, one of the women in the audience wasâincrediblyâone of the winners. So why not try it yourself?).
Thereâs a total of âŹ2.24 billion (yes, with a b) in prizes this year so yes, get your ticket.
Youâll have a chance to also see the kids in ties singing the numbersâyou know, those kids who look like something out of Village of the Damned? Yup, those. They are all from the San Ildefonso school, and they have been responsible for singing the numbers since the beginning of time.
This is the second-running lottery in the world (it started back in 1812). It became the Christmas Lottery 80 years later.
Donât miss this Christmas classic. Entrance is free of charge and the doors to the Teatro Real open at 8 a.m. but itâs on a first come, first serve basis so donât wait around.
Spanish Christmas Lottery Draw. Teatro Real, Plaza de Isabel II s/n, Madrid. Dec. 22, 8 a.m. Free admission.
2. đ Agatha Christieâs Witness for the Prosecution
If youâve never experienced a play by Agatha Christie in Spanish, this is your chance. Because nothing screams âChristmas!â like a courtroom thriller. (Not only that, but the first courtroom thriller in history!)
Testigo de Cargo (âWitness for the Prosecutionâ in Spanish) tells the story of Leonard Vole, who is accused of murdering a wealthy older woman, Emily French, with whom he had a close relationship. The plot centers on Voleâs trial, as he insists that he is innocent His defense is led by Sir Wilfrid Robarts, a lawyer convinced of his clientâs innocence despite the amount of evidence to the contrary.
The key witness in Voleâs defense is his wife, Romaine Heilger. But when a plot twist complicates the story (and Voleâs defense) things begin to escalate in typical Agatha Christie style. And yes, the final reveal is very satisfying.
The play is directed by Fernando Bernués and features actor Fernando Guillén Cuervo, with Script adaptation is by Roberto Santiago. Do not miss it!
Testigo de Cargo. FernĂĄn GĂłmez Centro Cultural de la Villa, Plaza de ColĂłn 4, Madrid. Through Jan. 26. Check website for schedule. Tickets: âŹ20.
3.đïž Christmas by Starlie presents: Camilo
Maybe dancing is your thing this weekend? In that case, we have a great option for you. Colombian Latin pop singer Camilo is performing today and tomorrow as part of this yearâs edition of the Christmas by Starlite festival.
The six-time Latin Grammy winner will undoubtedly sing his most popular hits, including Hoy tengo ganas de ti, Me dediquĂ© a perderte, Se me va la voz, and his latest success, La TĂłxica. His most recent album, De adentro paâ fuera (2022), showcases a variety of musical styles, blending reggaeton, pop, cumbia villera, bachata, and regional Mexican influences.
Camilo is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from MedellĂn who rose to fame after winning the talent competition X Factor in Colombia in 2007. His solo career took off globally in 2020 with the release of his debut album Por primera vez, earning him a Latin Grammy for Best Pop Song of the Year for Tutu. You probably also know him for the many duets heâs done with similar Latin artists such as Becky G, SebastiĂĄn Yatra, or Anitta
His ability to connect with audiences of all generations has fans all over the world hooked to his music. If you havenât experienced him yet, give it a try. Youâll love it.
Starlite Festival presents: Camilo. IFEMA, Avenida del Partenon 5, Madrid. Dec. 20 & 21. Check website for schedule. Tickets start at âŹ59.
4.đ± Mercadillo del Gato, Christmas Edition
Yes, you need to go to Gran VĂa for this one (sorry), but the Mercadillo del Gato, also known as the El Gato pop-up Market is back for its Christmas edition and you shouldnât miss it. Especially if youâre looking for a cheap Christmas gift.
Over 60 exhibitors from all over Spain will showcase a cool selection of products, including fashion, crafts, gourmet items, home decor, accessories, childrenâs wear, cosmetics, jewelry, and collectibles.
You can discover all sorts of stuff there, such as a natural flower preserved in a pendant, gourmet delicacies, tailored suits, vintage dresses, luxury handbags, or silk scarves, all for a decent price.
So while the Christmas markets in Plaza Mayor or Plaza de España are crazy busy, this may offer an opportunity to do your last-minute shopping in peace (we hope, it is on Gran VĂa after all).
Mercadillo del Gato. Gran VĂa 13, Madrid. Through Jan. 6. Check website for opening hours. Free admission.
5.đ· Santi Vaqueroâs photo exhibit Casas Bajas
Casas Bajas is an exhibit by photographer Santiago Vaquero that delves into the extreme social and architectural transformations experienced by the southern neighborhoods of Madrid during the 1960s and 1970s.
Back when the GeneralĂsimo Franco was still alive, modest, low-rise houses shared the urban landscape with the first brick buildings, creating spaces where cultural, youth, and social initiatives promoted a strong sense of community that remains today.
Vaquero explores these transformations through the lens of La Liminal, a cultural mediation collective, as his photos capture the life and evolution of the Vallecas neighborhood during this period of change.
This exhibition is âan invitation to reflect on the historical and cultural shifts that shaped Madridâs southern districts and the enduring spirit of neighborhood resilienceâ. Donât miss it if youâre looking to learn more about Madridâs history.
Casas Bajas Photo Exhibit. La Quinta del Sordo, Calle del Rosario 15, Madrid. Through May 30. Check website for opening hours.
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