đ The Tapa Weekend: November 1
Halloween, Day of the Dead and Saul Steinberg.
By @IanMount and @AdrianBono | November 1, 2024 | Madrid | Issue #73
đ Welcome to a new issue of The Tapa: Weekend Edition! An English-language newsletter about what to do this weekend in Madrid (plus memes!)
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Here Are 5 Things to Do in Madrid This Weekend
Halloween weekend is finally here. But first, an important message:
Weâre sure youâve all seen the heartbreaking scenes coming from Valencia. This is one of the worst natural disasters in Spanish history. The devastation is total and many people in the region are still unable to return to their homes â or worse, find their loved ones.
If you can, please help. No matter how small, your contribution can make a huge difference.
Cruz Roja (Spanish Red Cross): You can donate via Bizum, wire transfer or sending an SMS with the word AYUDA to 28092.
CĂĄritas: Check their website to donate via Bizum or call 900 33 99 99
El Periodico de España has put together a good list of locations in Madrid and other major cities where they are taking donations to the victims of the storm (food, water, clothes, blankets, etc). If you have a minute to spare, please check it out.
Thank you đ
1.đ» A live orchestra featuring the best music from horror movies
Are you a horror movie buff? Love soundtracks? The Film Symphony Orchestra is Europeâs premier ensemble solely dedicated to touring with a repertoire of movie scores.
Specializing in bringing beloved cinematic scores to life, the orchestraâs performances span a wide range of classic film themes and renowned composers connected to the world of film music. The performance is led by maestro Constantino MartĂnez-Orts, with an orchestra featuring 80 seasoned musicians chosen for their exceptional skill.
The director and orchestra captivate audiences each year in major venues around Spain with their impressive concert tours. Their presence has become a highlight at prestigious film events, including the Goya Awards, the Zaragoza Film Festival and The Hobbit trilogyâs final premiere, among many others.
Some of the music performed tonight comes from classics such as Dracula, Psycho, Jaws, A Nightmare Before Christmas, Poltergeist, The Omen, Coco, Casper, Gremlins and The Addams Family.
A state-of-the-art lighting system intensifies the experience, transforming each performance into a truly immersive journey. With over 100,000 people having already witnessed the power of the Film Symphony Orchestra, thereâs no better time to experience it yourself than on Halloween weekend.
Film Symphony Orchestra: Dracul. Auditorio Nacional de MĂșsica, C. del PrĂncipe de Vergara 146, Madrid. Nov. 1, 6 p.m. Tickets start at âŹ29.
2.đ Celebrate the Day of the Dead with Three Altars in Madrid
Celebrate DĂa de Muertos in Madrid with four stunning altars honoring this vibrant Mexican tradition that is now making its way into the city, probably because of how big the Mexican community here is getting. (Also, weâre thankful for the fact that you can now buy pan de muerto too, which we desperately love).
On top of the well-known altar at the Casa de Mexico (admittedly the best one of the four), there are three new installations this year thanks to the Madrid city hall and FundaciĂłn Casa de MĂ©xico. Each altar, filled with symbolic decorations like candles, incense, colorful flowers, and traditional foods, represents the spiritual journey taken by loved ones visiting from beyond. From sugar skulls to marigolds, every element serves to welcome back ancestral souls with joy and reverence.
Curated by renowned Mexican artist Cristina Faesler, the altars offer visitors a beautiful and immersive way to experience DĂa de Muertos. Whether in CentroCentroâs Plaza de Cibeles, Retiro Parkâs Artificial Hill, or CafĂ© Naves in Matadero Madrid, each location tells a story that merges pre-Hispanic and Catholic traditions.
Plan your visit:
âą CentroCentro (Plaza de Cibeles, 1): Tues-Sun, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
âą Montaña Artificial del Retiro (Paseo de FernĂĄn NĂșñez, 30): Daily, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (Nov. 3 until 2 p.m.).
⹠Café Naves de Matadero (Paseo de la Chopera, 14): Daily, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
âą Teatro FernĂĄn GĂłmez (Plaza de ColĂłn, 4): Through Nov. 10, Tues-Sun, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Donât miss the chance to witness this UNESCO-recognized tradition and reflect on its message of remembrance, joy, and connection with those who came before.
Day of the Dead altars. Multiple locations around Madrid. Check website for additional information.
3.đïž Saul Steinberg Retrospective
Does this image look familiar? If youâre an avid reader of American magazines, thereâs a chance it does. View of the World from 9th Avenue is an illustration by Romanian artist Saul Steinberg that was featured on the cover of the New Yorker in 1976 and became instantly iconic.
And guess what: you can now see the original one in Madrid (along with many more).
The FundaciĂłn Juan March is hosting Spainâs first complete retrospective dedicated to Steinberg, a visionary of postwar art and illustration. This exhibition traces the full breadth of Steinbergâs career, revealing the diverse layers of his artistic journey.
