NEWS FROM D&P YOUR DMC FOR SPAIN AND MORE…
Unique Moments:
Between approximately 21 June and 21 September, the temperatures rise and the long days are prefect for sightseeing. You are sure to have heard about Spain’s incredible beaches. It’s true: we have many hours of sunshine, some of the best beaches in the world and seaside towns complete with brightly coloured houses.
However, in this selection of what’s on offer we also want to inspire you with incredible inland destinations and let you know that summer is a time for fiestas, music festivals and unforgettable nights out. Here are some of Spain’s best summer options.
There are popular festivities in summer, like the famous San Fermín or La Tomatina tomato festival. But if you prefer to dance, there are also many world-renowned festivals. And of course, if you love clubbing you shouldn’t miss going out at night in Ibiza.
The arrival of summer and the warm temperatures in Spain brings people out of their houses and into the streets to live life together in the open air. During the summer months, the streets, squares and promenades in Spanish cities come alive with terrace bars and “chiringuitos”: places to enjoy a cool drink, sample local dishes, listen to music or just to have a quiet chat. Whether by day or by night, they are a pleasant place to while away a few hours in summertime.
Highlights of the season in Spain
Some of the best beaches in the world
One ocean – the Atlantic – and two seas – the Cantabrian and the Mediterranean. Spain’s almost 8,000 kilometres of coastline have a lot to offer. Visiting the lighthouses in Galicia, diving on the Costa Brava, sailing the turquoise waters of the Balearic Islands and enjoying coves like Turqueta and Caló des Moro, watching the sunset over bays like the one in San Sebastián, taking in the atmosphere on the Costa del Sol or lying on volcanic beaches in the Canary Islands. Over 600 exceptional beaches await you, as year after year, Spain continues as leading country with most Blue Flag beaches in 2023.
Fiesta season
Summer in Spain is welcomed in with a magical festival: the night of San Juan (from 23 to 24 June) when hundreds of bonfires are lit on the beaches of cities like A Coruña and Alicante, and the daring can jump over them for good luck. After these, the calendar is full of festivals: San Fermín in Pamplona, Moors and Christians in Villajoyosa, Descent of the Sella in Asturias, the Viking procession in Catoira, and a multitude of fiestas in August in almost all the villages of Spain.
The magic of unique settings under the stars
Night falls, the street lights go out and thousands of candles begin to light up the streets, balconies and courtyards of a town. In the background, the sound of music. Someone walks along bewitched by the light of the flame that lights up their pupils. The atmosphere created is magical. It’s not a mirage. There are a number of places in Spain where you can enjoy an experience like this. Here are a few examples: Concerts by candlelight in Pedraza, Candlelit night in Vejer de la Frontera, Brihuega Lavender Festival or Music Festival in Segura.
Special evenings in cities
In summer, we all love to enjoy cool evenings outdoors in the city. Some unique events are organised: the Córdoba Guitar Festival, the Classical Theatre Festival in Mérida in a Roman theatre with 2,000 years of history behind it, evening guided tours to monuments such as the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the performances of the Veranos de la Villa summer festival in Madrid or the Grec in Barcelona, mystery tours around cities such as Toledo…
Welcome festival goers!
Our stages welcome some of the best groups on the national and international music scene every summer. The line-ups get better every year at well-known festivals like Madrid’s Nights at the Botanical Gardens, Nights at the Babel River, Luce Benicàssim, Sonorama and Starlite.
The line-ups get better every year at well-known festivals like Sónar (Barcelona), Mulafest (Madrid), FIB (Benicàssim), BBK Live (Bilbao), San Sebastián Jazz Festival, the Ortigueira Festival of the Celtic World, Arenal Sound (Burriana) and Sonorama (Aranda de Duero). Party animals can also enjoy clubbing season in Ibiza, when the most famous DJs in the world flock to the legendary island nights.
Nature tourism
Mountain landscapes are perfect for escaping the high temperatures. The summits of the Pyrenees or the Picos de Europa National Park in northern Spain are some of the most visited mountain areas. For multiadventure sports, why not try rafting on the Gállego river, and then go on to visit Lanuza. Taking a dip in natural pools in inland regions like Extremadura, or boat trips through landscapes such as the Arribes del Duero, will also refresh you.
INDUSTRY FLASH NEWS
Venues
Cuenca: 2023 Spanish Gastronomy Capital
The city of the famous Casas Colgadas is going to be a must-see destination this year for lovers of good food. Known for the variety of its products and the innovation in its kitchen, Cuenca will celebrate its appointment as gastronomic capital with a multitude of activities: special menus, conferences, workshops, tastings… A delicious opportunity to visit this World Heritage City and enjoy some of its best-known recipes such as ”morteruelo“, ”ajo arriero“, roasts, migas with egg or ”alajú“ (a delicious dessert of Arab origin made with almonds and honey).
The long-awaited JW Marriott Madrid opens its doors, another benchmark for luxury
JW Marriott Hotel Madrid has just opened its doors. The establishment, with 139 rooms, is located in the Plaza de Canalejas, next to the Puerta del Sol. The administration will be in charge of Antonio Catalán Hotels by Marriott Spain Management and the owner of the property is Millenium Hotels Real State.
“This establishment will contribute to bringing Madrid closer to the European standard of price and service in the luxury segment, and will do so, mainly, through the foreign client,” says Antonio Catalán, president of ACHM Spain Management.
The design of the hotel has been carried out by Arvo Arquitectura de Juan and the interiors are the work of the Madrid team of Rockwell Group. The decoration of JW Marriott reflects the historical past of the building and reveals the ancient wrought iron columns of the nineteenth century.
The hotel also offers the QU gastronomic space, with the seal of chef Mario Sandoval, awarded with a Michelin star, which offers a culinary experience linked to the essence of Madrid and in which there is no shortage of cocktails, made with local ingredients.
Legends. The Home of football
In the heart of Puerta del Sol, between Calle Espoz y Mina and the start of Carrera de San Jerónimo, this unique experience that brings the greatest and most exciting moments that football has given us will open in spring 2023. It will offer a chronological journey through the history of football, using the most advanced technology, in which immersive 4D experiences can be enjoyed, as well as admiring the shirts worn by the legends of this sport, and other objects, all of which are original.
More than 4,000m2 are divided into seven floors. In Legends, the boots and balls used by the first World Champions can be seen, as well as the kit of legends like Maradona, Pelé, Cruyff, Paolo Rossi, Di Stefano, Messi, Zidane, Iniesta or Cristiano Ronaldo, among others. The building will also have a gastronomic area on its impressive rooftop, the La Liga 29’s restaurant, an amazing store and virtual reality experiences.
The promoter of this project is Marcelo Ordás Peña, known as the world’s most important collector of elite football relics by leading Federations, Clubs, Governments, Players and leading brands in the football industry and the FIFA.
LALIGA, UEFA, FIFA, CONMEBOL and other associations and federations join the LEGENDS to bring the history of the greatest passion created by man to Madrid: Football.
Connections
Air China resumes direct flight between Barcelona and Beijing from June
To meet the demand for travel between China and Spain, Air China resumes the direct flight Barcelona-Beijing, on June 1, 2023 with three weekly frequencies: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
The departure time of Barcelona-Beijing will be at 12:00 noon with arrival in the Chinese capital at 04:50 the next day. The flight lasts 10.50 hours. The arrival time allows you to connect with all domestic and international flights that Air China operates from Beijing.
The return of the operation from Beijing to Barcelona have departure at 02:30, local time, arriving in the Catalan capital the same day at 08:15. The duration of the flight is 11:45 hrs).
The route will be operated with an Airbus A-330 configured with two cabin classes: Business and Economy.
ART: Madrid and more
Gallery of Royal Collections- OPENING
Built in Madrid’s Royal Palace complex, finishing off the cornice that opens on to the Campo del Moro gardens from Plaza de la Almudena, this museum will offer a journey through the history of the Spanish Monarchy and the artistic taste of each of its important figures, from the first reigns of the Middle Ages to Juan Carlos I.
Once inaugurated, in summer 2023, the museum will be the main tool for the projection of National Heritage’s cultural activity and a stage for the enormous wealth and diversity of the Royal Collections related to this body. It will also become the backbone of the visit to the Royal Palace complex, whereby it can be accessed from Plaza de la Almudena and from the Campo de Moro and Madrid Río gardens.
The origins of the museum date back to 1935, during the 2nd Republic, when its construction project was commenced. However, this attempt was thwarted by the outbreak of the Civil War in 1936. In 1998, the idea was taken up again and the construction of the centre was approved. The works began in 2006 and were carried out in four phases until 2015. The building has won several architecture awards, of which the COAM 2016 First Prize and the FAD Award for Architecture 2017 stand out.
When: official opening 28th June 2023
Where: c/Bailén, 8. Madrid
Picasso, El Greco and Analytical Cubism
To mark the 50th anniversary of Pablo Picasso’s death, from 13 June to 17 September 2023, the Prado Museum is holding an exhibition that intersperses works by the Andalusian artist with paintings by El Greco, one of the artists that influenced him the most.
The exhibition is curated by Carmen Giménez and glimpses the references that Picasso took from the work of the Greek artist with the aim of better understanding Picasso’s early work, between his Blue Period and Cubism.
Pablo Ruiz Picasso (Malaga, 1881 – Mougins, France, 1973) was a painter and sculptor, considered to be one of the greatest artistic geniuses of the 20th century. He explored all kinds of disciplines such as drawing, engraving, book illustration, sculpture, ceramics and even theatre set and costume design. He also experimented with various creative styles during the three periods of his career: Blue, pink, and black and white, developing cubism, which he invented, after surrealism and finally abstraction.
In total, he created some 13,500 paintings, 100,000 prints or engravings, 34,000 illustrations for books and 300 sculptures or ceramic pieces. His compositions famously include Guernica, his most important masterpiece.
Domenikos Theotokopoulos, better known as El Greco, (Candia, Greece, 1541 – Toledo, 1614) was a Renaissance painter. He is one of the greatest figures in the history of pictorial art, although at the time he was considered an extravagant artist due to his personalist canvases and his tendencies towards experimentation and innovation. His pieces were mainly religious in nature and included The Disrobing of Christ, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, The Adoration of the Shepherds and The Nobleman with his Hand on his Chest.
When: from 13th June until 17th September 2023
Where: Prado Museum, Madrid
André Butzer
The German painter André Butzer (1973, Stuttgart) features in this exhibition at the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, presenting the artist’s first retrospective outside his country. The exhibition, made up of a selection of 22 works created between 1999 and 2022, can be seen from 9 May to 10 September.
The exhibition coincides with the 50th birthday of the artist, who has stood out throughout his career for his quirky and unique imaginary. His works combine pop and abstraction elements. Some of his most iconic paintings are among the works on display, as well as two paintings that were recently added to the Blanca and Borja Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection: Aladdin and the Magic Oil Lamp (2010) and Untitled (2022).
This exhibition project launches a new series of exhibitions on artists in the Blanca and Borja Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection, which will be presented in the new exhibition space on the first floor of the museum.
When: until 10th September 2023
Where: Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Madrid
SHOWS: music, theatre, dance, gastronomy, fashion…
Musical strolls around the Botanical Garden
For yet another year, the Royal Botanical Garden is organising Musical strolls around the Royal Botanical Garden, a night-time classical music experience that will be held from 5 May to 23 September on Fridays and Saturdays. It has been designed for an audience of all ages with two repertoires and pieces from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries by acclaimed composers, such as Dvořák, Mozart, Haydn, Haydn and Beethoven, among others.
Music and nature are brought together on spring and summer evenings in an intimate stroll around the Royal Botanical Garden, with first-rate musicians. Forming part of the Royal Botanical Garden’s cultural programme, this initiative is a project by La Fábrica with the collaboration of the Reina Sofía School of Music.
This latest edition boasts a selection of soloists, some musicians from the Reina Sofía School of Music, who will perform a programme under the artistic and musical management of José Sanchís. You will be able to listen to pieces by great composers, such as Antonín Dvořák, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, Franz Schubert, Fanny Hensel and Ludwig Van Beethoven. The programme is rounded off with works by other composers, such as Carl Von Dittersdorf, Joseph Martin Krauss, Franz Anton Hoffmeister, George Frideric Haendel, François Devienne and Edward Elgar.
Musical strolls around the Botanical is a sensory experience for all ages in which some of the most emblematic corners of the Royal Botanical Garden can be enjoyed at a time when the garden is usually closed to the public.
The route starts in the Rose Garden and will have another two stops in the Plane Tree Square and the Chestnut Tree Square. There will be a string trio in the Rose Garden; the flute and the viola will feature in the Plane Tree Square, and the musical seasons can be heard in the Chestnut Tree Square performed by a string quartet.
When: Fridays and Saturdays, until 23 September, 2023
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Madrid
Mad Cool Festival
One of the world’s most important music festivals is holding its sixth edition from 6 to 8 July 2023, with an extensive line-up of artists, including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Robbie Williams, The Black Keys, Lizzo, Sam Smith, Queens Of The Stone Age, The 1975, The Offspring, Franz Ferdinand, Liam Gallagher and The Prodigy. Furthermore, Mad Cool Festival is changing its venue in this latest edition and will be held at a new space in the Villaverde district.
The line-up announced for 2023 is initially made up of 53 bands, to which other names will be added. The group from California, Red Hot Chili Peppers, has been one of the first to confirm its participation in the festival, celebrating its 40th anniversary as a band. The musicians, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, and their The Black Keys project will be another feature of this edition. The American rock group stands out for its sharp riffs, one of the most popular garage rock bands in the decade spanning 2010 to 2020.
Another surprise at the festival will be the presence of the British pop-rock singer, Robbie Williams, who will be stopping off at the festival as part of his latest XXV Tour. The American artist, Lizzo , has confirmed what will be his first performance in Madrid, with a concert in which there will be no lack of his catchiest hits, such as Juice or About Danm Time. Such important names on today’s scene will also be present, such as Sam Smith, Machine Gun Kelly, who is giving his first concert in Madrid, or the American rapper, singer and songwriter, Lil Nas X.
Iconic The 1975 will present its latest album, Being Funny in a Foreign Language; the American band, Queens of the Stone Age will feature its stoner rock sound; and the British-Japanese singer-songwriter, Rina Sawayama, aka the antithesis of traditional pop, will join the line-up.
The English musician, Liam Gallagher, vocalist from Oasis and Beady Eye, will be responsible for bringing the sounds from the 1990s; the English rock duo, Nova Twins will offer the most revolutionary rock with a large dose of rebellion; The Prodigy will make the audience dance with great electronic tracks; and the Icelandic post-rock band, Sigur Rós, will also be present.
Delaporte from Spain will revolutionise the stage with its combination of electronic sounds and dance, whilst The Blessed Madonna and Honey Dijon will be responsible for the entertainment and dancing on the festival’s night sessions.
There is an extensive programme for all tastes in which other artists will be present, such as the Scottish singer-songwriter, Paolo Nutini, the British Indie rock band, Franz Ferdinand, the American singer, Angel Olsen, the English musician, Jacob Collier, the band, Rüfüs Du Sol, or the multi-instrumentalist, Tash Sultana, among many others like Janelle Monáe, The Offspring, Mumford & Sons, Primal Scream, Ava Max, Morgan, Kevin Morby, Kurt Vile & The Violators, King Princess, Kaleo, Spoon, Dora, Walls, Night Club, Zetak, Sila Lua, PETTI, Ralphie Choo, Purple Disco Machine, Christian Löffler, Polo & Pan DJ Set, DJ Gigola, Boy Bleach, Stacey Ryan, STONE, Picture This, Mimi Webb, Choclock, Girli, Emotional Oranges, Cold Years, Ghouljaboy, Denis Sulta, Gerd Janson, AR/CO, ELYELLA, Raye, Peje, Himalayas, Maika Makovski, Víctor Carré b2b Body-O, Loopi.ta, Armis, Mobox, Álvaro Valero, Miss Deep’in, Chalkyninenine, DJ Trapella and L.A.S DJs.
Mad Cool Festival was awarded the NME Award for the Best Poster 2018 by the British magazine, NME, one of the most prestigious magazines in the sector, for a poster that included artists like Pearl Jam, Arctic Monkeys, Depeche Mode or Queens of the Stone Age.
Mad Cool came about from the regeneration concept, becoming alternative in terms of content and form. It is a proposal for a society that has evolved towards innovation, quality and efficiency. It goes beyond the typical music festival and elevates the idea of shared leisure, proposing a new model in which the city and the environment are allies.
When: From 6 to 8 July, 2023
Where: Espacio Mad Cool, Madrid
Noches del Botánico
The Nights at the Botanical Festival will hold its seventh edition from 7 June to 30 July at the Alfonso XIII Royal Botanical Garden, located at Madrid Complutense University. It is a cycle of concerts for summer evenings and nights in which a selection of national and international artists will participate, presenting their latest albums and hits live in a unique environment. The latest edition brings together 45 musical events by artists like Bob Dylan, Placebo, Nile Rodgers, Natalia Lafourcade, The Lumineers, LP or Zaz, among others.
In June and July, this natural space at Madrid Complutense University’s Botanical Garden will be the venue for the multi-faceted festival in which generations and styles (jazz, Latin, flamenco, rock and pop) will come together, making eclecticism its cover letter and becoming a not to be missed musical event for summer nights.
Not only on the musical side, but also in terms of the connection with nature in a unique setting in the city, as the concerts of your favourite artists can become an unforgettable experience, enjoying every day of the programme, from 7pm on summer evenings in Madrid Complutense University’s Botanical Garden.
Following on from the sixth edition that brought together more than 135,000 people, the 2023 programme includes 45 concerts, hosting legendary artists, such as Bob Dylan, Nile Rodgers and CHIC, Chris Isaak, Djavan or Rubén Blades, and others who present their captivating sounds of soul, folk and African rhythms, such as Joss Stone, Roberta Sà or Salïf Keita.
There will be no lack of major names from pop rock, such as Placebo, The Lumineers, LP, Damien Rice or Zaz, as well as the artistic fusion and jazz by Carlos Rivera, Silvia Pérez Cruz, Tito Nieves or Avishai Cohen. From the Spanish speaking world, artists like Natalia Lafourcade, Luz Casal, Andrés Calamaro, M-Clan, Iván Ferreiro, El Cigala, Fito Páez and Niña Pastori, among others, will be present.
The seventh edition has implemented a series of improvements which, along with the green rest areas, stands in the Encanto Market and various services, make the Nights at the Botanical one of the most experiential and sustainable events in Spain.
When: from 7th June until 30th July, 2023
Where: Botanical Gardens, Complutense University, Madrid
TRADE SHOWS & CONGRESSES
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid (September edition)
Twice a year, the city of Madrid becomes one giant runway showcasing the most sought-after creations by fashion’s leading visionary designers from all around the world, both new names and established favourites. On this occasion, from 13 to 17 September 2023, the latest tendencies for Spring-Summer 2024 can be discovered.
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid takes the pulse of the latest fashion trends. A meeting place for creators, press and fashionistas, where they review the most important trends that will define next season’s style.
MBFW will give way to its 74th edition in which the leading creators and brands will participate in a show that once more highlights the great creative moment of Spanish fashion. A total of 16 firms will support this event in which Mercedes-Benz, L’Oréal Paris and INDITEX are once more the main sponsors. Furthermore, various young creators will present their designs at the Cyberspace Samsung Ego Showroom.
When: from 13 to 17 September 2023
Where: Feria de Madrid
SPORTS OF THE SEASON !!!
Sailing: King’s Cup for vintage boats. Minorca Classic Sailing
Minorca, in the Balearic Islands, is hosting this regatta once again, as part of the prestigious international Panerai classic yachts challenge.
Minorca is especially attractive, and the competition is even more spectacular thanks to its crystal-clear turquoise waters. What’s more, there are many different winds in the island and this makes the competition very interesting and exciting.
When: from 29th August to 2nd September, 2023, Minorca, Balearic Islands
Cycling: Tour of Spain, La Vuelta
Madrid will once again host the final stage of La Vuelta a España cycling race (26 August-17 September 2023) that celebrates its 88th anniversary in 2023 and the 78th edition. After 21 grueling days, the cyclists will arrive in the Spanish capital for the last stage.
When: from 26th August to 17th September, 2023
D&P is at your disposal to offer you an attractive program together with your attendance at the events and activities mentioned for your guests and team, just inform us of your objectives and needs, we will design a proposal that matches your expectations and budgets.