Flamenco is very important in Spanish tradition. It is a fusion of musical styles involving dance, singing, and guitar. Its main influences derive from Arabic, Judaism, Spanish, and, mostly, Gypsy peoples. It originated in the Spanish territory of Andalusia.
Originally there was only singing in flamenco and later on they added the dancing and, around the 18th century, the guitar, spreading to all parts of the country. Now, it is very easy to find Flamenco in Madrid and there are a host of outlets that feature it. You can even learn it if you want to as the city has plenty of flamenco dance, singing, and guitar tutoring schools.
One fine Madrid tradition is to dip churro fritters into warm hot chocolate. Often it is eaten at breakfast times and early afternoon. There are plenty of places at the heart of Madrid where you can indulge your love of chocolate. Even better is to find a place where Spanish people go as this will no doubt offer better churro fritters.
The Prado requires no introduction. The work of Spanish masters such as Velázquez, El Greco and Goya can be savoured. If that was not enough Flemish collection from Raphael, Titian, Tintoretto, Bosch and Rubens are also permanent exhibitions.
As well as the work from the greats, the museum houses two temporary exhibitions to enrich your cultural appreciation further.
For a change of artistic pace, you may want to consider visiting the Reina Sofia museum which has a more modern art feel. As well as experiencing work by Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró and Antoni Tàpies, you can see Pablo Picasso’s great masterpiece Guernica. This is worth the admission price alone.
The museum is built into an 18th-century former hospital which adds to the surreal experience.
The Faro de Moncloa observation tower gives you a simply awe-inspiring view of the great city. From here you gain a perspective of Madrid that few experience. Seeing the buildings that define the city gives you a sense of place and can’t help but realise that in any city you are but a small cog in a large wheel.
Madrid is a wonderful city you must experience at least once. Like London, New York, Rome, Madrid has a culture and a sway all of its own. Once you embrace what Madrid is you have an unforgettable and diverse experience which never leaves you.
