Live Holy Week in Spain

The Holy Week or Easter in Spain is perhaps more rooted tradition and which may surprise those who have the opportunity to enjoy it.

Many are surprised at the different Holy Week which can be found depending on the area or region where it is celebrated in Spain. For though in all Spanish regions, the Holy Week is a religious event, the way how are "lived" and "sense" change enormously from one region to another.

So, in central and northern Spain, we find a sober Holy Week, it seems like people are  seeking penance and repentance. The processions are quieter, the music is more solemn, and feelings are more hidden.

By contrast, in southern Spain, in Andalusia, Holy Week is characterized by an explosion of feelings, much more spontaneous, which people often end up singing "saetas" ... and others in tears.

To the uninitiated, and for many of us, just see how the people feel, or suffer is at least surprising. It has not only to do with religion, but much more with a old tradition that is still alive, and worth seeing and enjoying.

And it is also curious that in major cities such as Madrid continue to maintain this tradition as old.

Yes, in Madrid are still celebrating the traditional processions in downtown churches. In Madrid this tradition as old lives with all kinds of cultural events and exhibitions. 

And if you are really interested in knowing in depth the Holy Week in other places of Spain we recommend you visit the Easter of Salamanca, where you will appreciate the solemnity of the steps nestled in a beautiful historic city, UNESCO heritage. Zamora and Valladolid are also highly recommended.

For those who have more time, I suggest visiting the Holy Week in Seville or Malaga, both also very popular and interesting.

And of course, for those who want to know the Spanish culture, or feel how live the locals live, we recommend, as always, stay in our short term apartments in Madrid, which are situated just meters from where the main religious and cultural activities are held.

Navidad en Madrid: Mercadillos Callejeros

Etiquetas de Technorati: madrid,madrid 2012,madrid navidad,navidad madrid,madrid oferta,apartamento madrid,alquiler temporal madrid

Se acerca la Navidad y los distritos de Madrid se llenan de mercadillos de Navidad donde poder hacer algunas de las compras navideñas con regalos algo más originales de lo normal.


Las calles de Madrid durante la época de Navidad adquieren un gran ambiente, debido a la iluminación navideña ,  y al ambiente que dan los  mercadillos y las ferias de Navidad .

Tradicionalmente, desde hace muchos años las principales plazas del centro de la ciudad se ocupan con mercadillos donde puedes encontrar productos navideños, pero también ferias de artesanía y de regalos, que forman parte sustancial del programa de Navidad 2012 en Madrid .

Y tampoco faltan atracciones orientadas al disfrute de las familias, como ferias, pistas de hielo o espectáculos infantiles como el tradicional Cortylandia .

A continuación tienes la información, así como fechas y horarios de los principales mercadillos y ferias de Navidad 2012-2013 que puedes visitar en Madrid en estas fechas festivas.

Mercadillo de la plaza Mayor y plaza de Santa Cruz

El más tradicional de los mercadillos navideños de Madrid está abierto hasta el 31 de diciembre, en horarios de lunes a jueves, de 10 a 22 horas, y de viernes a domingo, hasta las 23 horas.
En este mercadillo que ocupa la Plaza Mayor y sus alrededores encuentras más de cien casetas decoradas con estilo austriaco, y asímismo, encuentras el ya tradicional tiovivo clásico para disfrute de los chavales.

Mercadillo de la plaza de Santa Cruz/plaza de la Provincia

Junto a la plaza Mayor, tienes en estas pequeñas plazas una extensión de su tradicional mercadillo, con los mismos horarios.

Mercadillo de la plaza de Benavente

En la cercana plaza de Benavente tienes el ya tradicional mercadillo de artesanía y regalos conocido como Feria de Navidad. Con más de 20 casetas con una decoración que emula un pueblo medieval.
Esta feria de Navidad puedes visitarla hasta el 6 de enero, todos los días de 10 a 22 horas.


Pista de patinaje en la plaza de Callao

En la céntrica plaza de Callao encuentras una pista de patinaje sobre hielo y la gran caseta para venta de adornos navideños que instala El Corte Inglés. De la decoración destaca el tradicional árbol de Navidad de 18 metros de altura.




Pista de patinaje en la plaza Santa Maria Soledad Torres Acosta


En esta plaza cercana a la plaza de Callao, hasta el 6 de enero tienes una pista de patinaje sobre hielo y una de esquí.
Los horarios de apertura son todos los días, de 10 a 22 horas.

Feria de Artesanía en la plaza del Carmen

También hasta el 6 de enero, en la plaza del Carmen encuentras una feria de Navidad con más de 30 casetas. Abre todos los días de 10 a 22 horas.

Feria de Navidad en la plaza de Santo Domingo

En esta plaza tienes una feria de artesanía hasta el 6 de enero, todos los días de 10 a 22 horas.

Feria de Artesanía en la Plaza de España
Esta feria de artesanía se inaugura el 15 de diciembre, y está abierta al público hasta el 5 de enero, de 11 a 21 horas. Cierra los días 25 de diciembre y 1 de enero, y los días 24 y 31 de diciembre cierra a las 15 horas.
Feria de Artesanía en la Plaza de Moncloa
Hasta el 13 de enero puedes visitar la feria de artesanía, que abre de 10 a 14,30 horas y de 17 a 22,30 horas.

Además, no olvides que alojándote en nuestros apartamentos, podrás recorrer  a pié todos estos mercadillos, ya que están situados en pleno centro de Madrid. Y, si puedes  venir a Madrid desde hoy 10 de Diciembre hasta el 28 de Diciembre puedes ahorrarte hasta un 20% en tu estancia, reservando uno de estos apartamentos que están en oferta:

Plaza Espana 2 Apartment: Céntrico, tranquilo ...y con capacidad para 6 personas

Gran Via Chueca 1 Apartment: Uno de los favoritos de nuestros clientes

Gran Via Chueca 2 Apartment

   

Plaza Mayor Loft: En plena Plaza Mayor, Un lujo

Lavapies Apartment: Con dos balcones y dos dormitorios

Madrid Divino Apartment: Acogedor estudio en pleno centro

Madrid Almudena Apartment: apartamento de 2 dormitorios  al lado del Palacio Real

       

Plaza Espana 1 apartment: perfecto para grupos

Christmas in Madrid

If throughout the year Madrid is well known by its fiestas that liven up its streets and welcome visitors to the city, in Christmas time you will find even more life in Madrid´s streets and much more cultural activities than in other times of the year.

When the Christmas lights are turned on, Madrid is filled with a magical air. The streets are dressed in all their finery, the trees take on a Christmassy look, and shops and markets are stocked up with all kinds of gifts.

If you start at Plaza Mayor you will see one of the best Christmas markets in Madrid, selling figures for Nativity scenes, decorations and even Christmas trees with all the accessories you could possibly want.

The Plaza Mayor is also a perfect departure point for the discover Madrid, which invite everyone, including children, to learn more about the history of Nativity scenes, seasonal traditions and sweets. Starting on Plaza Mayor is a wonderful way to discover some of Madrid's special spots.

You can enjoy easily all those Chistmas activities if you stay in our apartments which are located in the heart of Madrid and you will be able to walk through all the interesting  Christmas venues in Madrid.
Some apartments close to Plaza Mayor in Madrid:
     

Etiquetas de Technorati: madrid,christmas madrid,markets madrid,what´s on in madrid,madrid apartments

Madrid Secrets: Tradition and Modernity

It's no secret that Madrid is a city that has the appeal of the big cities along with the charm of the towns.

So for those who want to know the Spanish culture and traditions and want to have also everything you get in a big city, Madrid is the ideal city, as the two aspects coexist.

For example, in summer, in the first weekend of July in Madrid is celebrated the Gay Pride in areas of Chueca and Gran Via and in August are celebrated the popular street festivals of La Paloma and San Cayetano.

Furthermore, the great advantage of Madrid is that you can explore on foot. Public transport in Madrid is excellent and cheap, but probably will not need it if you stay at one of our apartments, as most are located in the heart of Madrid and Madrid you can visit everything on foot. (Read the testimony of one of our clients regarding the location of the Gran Via Sol Apartment)

For more information about the different neighborhoods of central Madrid recommend you read our Guide to Madrid

Traditions in Madrid: The Christmas Lotery

Christmas is widely celebrated in Spain as well as in other parts of the world. However, comparing with the Christmas celebrations in the Nordic countries, the differences are stark. In Spain, the celebration of Christmas begins on December 22, when the Special Drawing Christmas Lottery takes place.

The Christmas Lottery  is currently one of the events more intensely Christmas lives in Madrid. It has become probably the game that arouses sympathy and passion, and that is undoubtedly part of this cherished holiday, which is the "kick" from the beginning of the same

Every tenth costs 20 €, but the tradition also sends "share", and which share many interests, so that luck is dealt. And two are the "drums" of fate, of which the children of San Ildefonso excited will draw the numbers and awards.

The Draw takes place in the room draws the State Lotteries in Madrid. During five hours of radio and television broadcast it. Bars, offices and factories operating at a slow pace. Millions of people open their ears to hear the children of Madrid Colegio San Ildefenso sing the winning numbers.

The "Gordo"

Across the country we hear the echoes of the radio broadcasting the voices of children reading the magic number of winning tickets. There are many walking more or less hysterical wandering on the eve of the celebration of Christmas. Simultaneously, the children sing in radio and television speakers throughout the country the numbers of winning tickets.

Christmas lottery is the world's largest and more or less all the Spanish part. In addition, all dreaming the same thing, El Gordo, the highest prize. Since 2005, El Gordo is around 3 million Euro.

Origin of the Lottery

The initiator of the initiative and founding of the great national lottery was Charles III. Since 1892 he has held this Christmas Lottery so popular. Even took place during the civil war. Children singing the numbers of winning tickets are always students in the College of San Ildefenso of Madrid, a school established for orphaned children. This combines interest and charity in a Catholic spirit. The Christmas lottery is a popular tradition!

The sale of the draw period is the longest of the year. The government numbers are the first weeks of July. So perhaps the Christmas lottery is the best selling and most popular of the Sweepstakes.

Long queues are to be put up to get a tenth in some of the most traditional authorities in Madrid, as Doña Manolita o La Pajarita. The Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol are also strategic points of sale, where lotteries are those that encourage passersby to participate.

Locals, visitors and tourists are made with at least a few tenths in the hope that their number the children of San Ildefonso I sing with joy.

There's still time to book your apartment in Madrid to learn all the traditions of Madrid and enjoy the holidays in Madrid

Christmas Markets in Madrid

As previously mentioned, Christmas in Madrid, as well as other festivals, is celebrated mainly in the street.

There are numerous activities for children and adults enjoy specially arranged for this Christmas season.

One of the most popular traditions is the Christmas markets. You will find in the main squares in the center of Madrid. Here we leave a list for you to choose depending on your situation or your personal preferences, as each of them is specialized in one thing:



Ver Mercadillos de Madrid, Navidad 2011 en un mapa más grande







Plaza Mayor
From 1 to December 31
Monday to Thursday, from 10 to 22 h. and Friday through Sunday from 10 to 23 h.
Traditional Christmas Market / Carousel



Plaza de Santa Cruz. Plaza de la Provincia
From 1 to December 31
Monday to Thursday, from 10 to 22 h. and Friday through Sunday from 10 to 23 h.
Traditional Christmas Market



Plaza de Santo Domingo
From November 25 to January 8
10 to 22 h.
Christmas Craft Fair



Plaza de Jacinto Benavente
From November 25 to January 8
10 to 22 h.
Cultural craft fair



Soledad Torres Acosta Plaza
From November 15 to January 15
10 to 22 h.
Christmas Fair with ice rink and ski slope



Plaza de Callao
From November 18 to January 9
10 to 22 h.
Christmas activities (sale of Christmas decorations, ice rink and Christmas tree)



Plaza del Carmen
From November 25 to January 8
10 to 22 h.
Christmas Fair



Plaza of Spain
From December 15 to January 5
Craft Fair



Plaza de Moncloa
From December 1 to January 7
Craft Fair


There's still time to book your apartment in Madrid to learn all the traditions of Madrid and enjoy the holidays in Madrid

Exhibitions Nativity Scenes in Madrid

For those interested in knowing the culture and traditions of Madrid, we present a list of all the places where there are Nativity Scenes Exhibitions in Madrid

From December 1 to January 8, the main Nativity Scene, organized by the City Council at Palacio de Cibeles will be open for visitors.

Hours: Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 to 21 h. 18, 24 and December 31, 10 to 16 h. January 5, 10 to 14 h.

This year, the Bethlehem Municipal finds its new location on the main floor of CentroCentro-Palacio de Cibeles, a space open to all locals and guests of our city to share the illusion of Christmas. The Bethlehem consists of 200 figures, 133 figures and buildings in the collection of the City of Madrid made by José Luis Mayo, and 70 figures from the personal collection of Enrique Haro made by different artists.
The scenery of Bethlehem represents the beginning of his tour the Nativity with the worship of angels, a portal that is a mixture of stable and cave. Continue with the representation of a mountain area in close-ups where is located the Annunciation to the shepherds and, through visual effects, creating the illusion of the appearance of the angel. After the procession of the Magi coming from the East the scenery takes us through all the typical Christmas prints to the town of Bethlehem.

Itinerary Nativity scenes in Madrid


Free admission, except in the National Museum of Decorative Arts

City Museum
C / Príncipe de Vergara, 140
Bethlehem Hebrew monumental character of the Association
The Cultural Dormis Cieza (Murcia).
From 8 December to 8 January.
Tuesday to Friday, from 10 to 20 h. Mondays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 10 to 14 h. December 25 and January 1, closed.


Clock House Cultural Center
Exhibition Hall La Lonja
Walk of the poplar, 10
Popular Bethlehem hundred feet square, with figures of the craftsman José Luis Mayo Lebrija.
From December 12 to January 8.
Monday to Saturday, 10 to 14 h. and 17 to 21 h. Sundays, 10 to 14 h. December 25, 1 and January 6, closed


C. Municipal Ciudad Lineal
C / Hermanos García Noblejas 16, ground floor
Traditional Bethlehem.
From 19 December to 9 January. Monday to Thursday, from 9 to 17 h. Friday, 9 to 14 h. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, closed


National Museum of Decorative Arts
C / Montalbán, 12
Eighteenth-century Neapolitan Nativity.
Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30 to 15 h. Opening Thursday evening (except January 5) in 17-20 h. and 21, 23, 27, 28 and 30 December. Sundays and holidays from 10 to 15 h. On Mondays and days 24, 25 and December 31 and January 6, closed.
General admission: € 3. Reduced and free tickets: Available at mnartesdecorativas.mcu.es


Royal Palace of Madrid
C / Bailen, s / n
The Royal Palace houses the Prince Neapolitan crib, commissioned by Charles III for his son in 1760. Includes original figures of the eighteenth century, as well as architecture and popular elements.
From 15 December to 15 January.
Monday to Sunday, from 10 to 17 hours, closing ticket. Closed on 24, 25 and 31 December, 1 and 6 January and the days of official acts


Royal Monastery of the Encarnacion
Plaza de la Encarnación, 1
To celebrate the fourth centenary of the founding of the Monastery of the Incarnation in Madrid, this Christmas the church will host the Neapolitan Bethlehem Monastery of the Augustinian Recollect of Salamanca, the first time this crib is displayed outside the walls of Salamanca convent.
From 15 December to 15 January.
Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 to 13 hours, close the box office and from 16 to 17.30 pm, closing the box office. Sundays, 10 to 14 h, close the box office. Closed on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 and 6 January.


Monastery of the "Descalzas"
Royal Plaza of the Nuns, 1
Installing a small crib, which prevail spirituality.
From December 15 to January 15.
Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 to 13 hours, close the box office and from 16 to 17.30 pm, closing the box office. Sundays, 10 to 14 h, close the box office. Closed on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 and 6 January.


Royal Monastery of Santa Isabel. Church
C / Santa Isabel, 48
Bethlehem popular around the altar of the church of Santa Isabel.
From 15 December to 15 January. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10.30 to 12.45 h. and 16 to 17.45 h. Friday, from 10.30 to 12.45 h.
Sundays and holidays from 11 to 13.45 h. Closed on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 and 6 January


Monasterio de Santa Ana and San Jose "Discalced Carmelites"
C / General Aranaz, 58
Exhibition of Neapolitan crib and others from different parts of the world.
From December 4 to January 14.
From Thursday to Saturday from 16.30 to 19 h.
Sundays, 11 to 14 h. 24 and 31 December and 1 and January 6, closed.


Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Señora la Real de la Almudena
C / Bailen, 10
Bethlehem artistic figures Castells, Nicholas and May (computerized), made by Father Felix Castedo.Belén monumental (Mystery and Epiphany) with figures of Olot (Girona)-nineteenth century, made by Father José María Durán. From December 25 to January 15, from 9-20 h.


Real Basilica de San Francisco el Grande
Plaza de San Francisco, s / n
Bethlehem popular.
From 18 December to 8 January.
Tuesday to Friday, 8 am to 12.30 pm and 16 to 18 h. Saturday, 8 am to 12.30 pm and 16 to 20.30 h. Sundays and holidays, from 9 to 13 h. and from 19.30 to 20.30 h. Closed Mondays


Royal Church of San Ginés
C / Arenal, 13
Baroque Mystery.
From 17 December to 8 January. From 9 to 13 h. and 18 to 21 h.


Papal Basilica of San Miguel
C / San Justo, 4
Popular Bethlehem monumental sculptor José Luis Mayo Lebrija.
From December 12 to January 10, 10 to 13 h. and from 17.30 to 21 h. (Except during services)


Convent of the Nuns Corpus Christi Jerome "Vulgar Carboneras"
Plaza del Conde de Miranda, 3
Mystery and Three Kings.
From December 7 to January 8. From 9 to 13.30 h. and from 16.30 to 19.30 h. Sundays and holidays from 10 to 13.30 h. and from 16.30 to 19.30 h.


Convent of the Sisters of the Society of the Cross
C / King Francis, 19
Bethlehem Seville popular character with popular local figures.
From December 25 to January 8, 10 to 13.30 h. December 31, closed


San Rafael Hospital
C / Herrero de Tejada, 3
Bethlehem long tradition monumental Madrid.
From December 1 to January 11, from 11 to 13.30 h. and from 16.30 to 20 h.


Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
C / Temple, 2
Exposure of Births.
From December 6 to January 7, 10 to 22 h.


Association of Pontifical Right Heralds of the Gospel
C / Cinca, 17
Bethlehem popular with light and sound.
From December 11 to January 8, 17 to 21 h.


Basilica Church of Our Father Jesus of Medinacelli "Capuchinos"
Plaza de Jesus, 2
Baroque Mystery. Birth popular.
From 16 December to 8 January.
Monday to Thursday from 7 to 13.30 h. and 17 to 21 h. Friday, from 6.30 to 23 h. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, from 8.30 to 14 h. and 17 to 21 h.


Parish of the Twelve Apostles
C / Velazquez, 88
Great crib artistic audiovisual animation.
From December 22 to January 8, 12 to 14 h. and 18 to 21 h.


Parish of the Holy Christ of Victory
C / Blasco de Garay, 33
Bethlehem historic art computerized.
From December 25 to January 28, from 9.30 to 13.15 h. and 18 to 21.15 h.


Holy Spirit Church
C / Serrano, 125
Bethlehem with historical and artistic value. Neapolitan-style figures (XVIII-XIX).
From 15 December to 15 January. Monday to Saturday from 11.30 to 13 h. and 18 to 20.30 h. Sundays and holidays from 11 to 13.30 h. and 18 to 20.30 h. (Except during services).


Sociocultural Center Alberto Sanchez. Vallecas Bridge District
C / Cliff Pedroche, 14
Traditional Bethlehem District.
From December 15 to January 5. Monday to Friday, from 9 to 21 h.


St. Catherine Laboure Parish
C / Arroyo Opañel, 29
Historic Bethlehem.
From 16 December to 2 February.
From 9.30 to 13 h. and 17 to 20 h.


Mother Teresa Home Jornet "Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly"
C / Duchess of Tamames, 8
Traditional Bethlehem.
From 8 December to 8 January, from 10.30 to 14 h. and 17 to 20.30 h.


Royal Parish Church of St. Andrew the Apostle
Plaza de San Andrés, 1
Bethlehem Neapolitan eighteenth-century ivory.
From December 1 to January 7.
Monday to Saturday, 8 to 12 h. and 18 to 20 h. Sundays (not groups), 9 to 13 h. (Except during services)


Centro Cultural Eduardo Úrculo. Tetuan District
Plaza de Donoso, 5
Traditional Bethlehem.
From December 9 to January 7.
Monday to Friday, from 9 to 21 h. Saturdays, 10 to 21 h. Sundays and holidays, 24 and December 31 and January 1, closed


Crusaders of Faith
C / Atocha, 87 bis
Bethlehem of great artistic value with carved polychrome eighteenth and nineteenth centuries (International Gold Medal).
From 27 November to 6 January.
Monday to Friday from 18 to 20.30 h. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 11 to 13.30 h. and 18 to 20 h. 24, 25 and December 31 and January 1, closed


Telefónica Flagship Store
C / Gran Vía, 28
Sculpture and video art: an innovative and striking representation for all audiences, the traditional nativity scene.
From 17 December to 5 January.
Monday to Saturday, 10 to 21 h. Sundays and holidays, from 12 to 20 h. (December 25 and January 1, closed)