🌮 The Tapa Weekend: September 29
Featuring Latin American food markets, architecture week and summer paintings.
By @IanMount and @AdrianBono | September 29, 2023 | Madrid | Issue #23
🎉 Welcome to a new issue of The Tapa: Weekend Edition! An English-language newsletter about what to do this weekend in Madrid (plus memes because why the hell not).
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Here Are 5 Things to Do in Madrid This Weekend
September’s coming to an end and people are already making Mariah Carey jokes on Instagram as we’re only 13 weeks away from Christmas. So let’s make the most out of the last quarter of the year before the winter season gets here and we (probably) start preparing for a winter general election.
Here are a few cool things for you to do this weekend.
Also, can you please gives us a like or a comment below? For every like from you, we get one more hour of sleep at night.
1. La Hispanoamericana Food Market & Festival in Plaza España
Ready for tango, arepas and burritos? This is your chance to enjoy the art, culture and, of course, the food or Latin America at the “La Hispanoamericana” festival in Plaza España. The festival runs through Oct. 15 and is set to coincide with the National Day of Spain on Oct. 12 (which we’re not going to comment on for obvious reasons).
Alongside the many Latin American flags waving in the plaza, you can find silver necklaces, t-shirts and delicacies while people dance to the tune of salsa or reggaeton that comes from the main stage, located right behind the stands. Oh, and if you want to learn how to dance them, there will be various activities related to that too.
So lose yourself in the delicious aromas of Latin America and learn more about the undeniably rich cultural heritage of these countries this weekend. Then get ready to pick fights with people on Oct. 12 over whether Columbus was a great guy or a bad man. Have fun!
La Hispaniamericana. Plaza España, Madrid. Through Oct. 15. Free admission.
2. Semana de la Arquitectura (or “Architecture Week”) 2023
The 20th edition of Architecture Week in Madrid is here and this year is focuses on Ukraine with the aim of reflecting on its local architectural and artistic heritage, currently endangered by the war with Russia, and the necessary efforts for reconstruction.
Architecture takes center stage for 10 days, with over 300 activities including exhibits, conferences, concerts, events, guided tours of buildings and walking tours of recognized architectural and historical value and even an artisanal market. The event invites you to discover the architecture of the capital from new perspectives through urban exhibitions and classics like their architect design market (Pop Arq Store), and conferences with art and design as the guiding thread.
Beyond the oohing and aahing, Madrid architects intend to promote a discussion on how the rebuild cities devastated by war or natural disasters, such as the earthquake that hit Morocco last month.
XX Architecture Week of Madrid. Multiple locations around Madrid. Check website for more information.
3. Fancy a Play? Asesinato y Adolescencia looks pretty cool
This cool looking Asesinato y Adolescencia “delves into the mysterious and tumultuous world of adolescence through a research process involving workshops, studies, consultations, and rehearsals”. It stems from the concern to understand the world of adolescence and our complex relationship as adults with it.
Based on an idea from "M, the Vampire of Düsseldorf" (the story about a child killer), the play involves Luis and Lucía, two isolated souls pushed to the brink by a combination of personal and external violence. Murder and Adolescence also explores the possibility of love, not so much in a romantic sense, but in terms of the continuity of life.
Have you checked the teaser above? It’s pretty dark but it’s definitely worth it.
Asesinato y Adolescencia. Nave del Español en Matadero, Paseo de la Chopera, 14, Madrid. Tuesdays to Sundays, through Nov. 5. Tickets start at €20.
4. Go See Norwen Live
Considering his name and how good his English is, you’ll probably think Norwen is a Swedish singer who’s touring in Spain. But you couldn’t be more wrong. In fact, he’s from Logroño (La Rioja) and his real name is Alberto Ortíz. On this musical project, he skillfully navigates through pop, rock, and American folk.
This is an energetic live performance in which he presents his first EP, which was extremely well received by both critics and music lovers. Additionally, he will preview some of the songs from his upcoming first album, set to be released next year.
It’s an intense and exciting concert that will make you dance and maybe event move you to tears. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
