What’s On – Food, Fashion & Fun
The Madrid Metropolitan’s Maja Jakic offers a few suggestions on where to go and what to do this month:
Gastrofestival 2017
After all the stuffing and overeating during the Christmas holidays it’s time for new resolutions, detox and a healthy, delicious variety of food. A step in the right direction would be to enjoy the amazing offers at the 8th edition of the Madrid Gastrofestival, an event that promotes new cuisines and looks to combine food and art. Thanks to the participation of various bars, restaurants, food markets, museums, and bookstores, those supporting the festival will also be able to savour films, music, theatre and fashion. Award-winning chefs will be plying their trade, and all sorts of activities, such as workshops, concerts, food tastings and screenings have been organised to keep all interests satisfied. The full programme will be announced soon, so check the website for updates.
Madrid Gastrofestival 2017, 21 Jan-5 Feb, various locations. See www.gastrofestivalmadrid.com
Romeo And Juliet Ballet
Just in time to set the mood for Valentine’s Day, Les Ballets de Monte Carlo present the perfect opportunity to see the world’s most influential love story at Teatros del Canal. The tale of the Montagues and the Capulets, and the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, is choreographed by Jean-Christophe Maillot with music by the late great Sergei Prokofiev. We will spare you the embarrassment of explaining the plot, but needless to say that the grace and style of the production is likely to add a tear or two.
Romeo and Juliet, Teatros Del Canal, Sala Roja, Calle Cea Bermúdez, 1. 10-12 Feb. Metro: Canal (L2, L7), Ríos Rosas (L1). Bus 3, 12, 37, 149. Ticket prices and performance times to be announced. See www.teatroscanal.com/espectaculo/romeo-y-julieta-ballet
The Madrid Tourism Fair
What better way to start 2017 than a visit to FITUR (photo below), Madrid’s annual tourism fair, which bustles with new holiday ideas. The fair serves as a global meeting point for both professionals (especially those in the Ibero-American markets) and the general public, and can bring together thousands of travel companies, big and small. There are always a huge variety of options, even beyond the geographic, to respond to market trends such as FITUR Shopping and FITUR Health, and for the second year there will also be an area for FITUR LGBTQ, as well as perspectives in the field of technology and energy saving.
FITUR, Feria de Madrid, Avenida Partenón, 5. 18-22 Jan. Metro: Campo de las Naciones (L8). Bus: 112, 122, and 828. Tickets from €7. Opening times: 18, 19 and 20 Jan (professionals only): 10am-7pm, 21 Jan (general public & professionals): 10am-8pm, 22 Jan (general public & professionals): 10am-6pm. See: www.ifema.es/fitur_06
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Creative design is the buzzword as Madrid welcomes Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, where Spanish designers have the opportunity to promote their work on an international level, with the support of major brands such as L’Orèal and Inditex.
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, 17-21 Feb, Parque Ferial Juan Carlos I. Metro: Campo de las Naciones (L8). Bus: 112, 122, 828. By invitation only. See: www.ifema.es/mercedesbenzfwm_01
Inverfest 2017
The beginning of the New Year brings numerous concerts and music treats, from big names to debut artists promoting their work. January offers one of the most exciting music experiences, Inverfest 2017, a series of winter concerts that will bring a variety of music styles to please all tastes. For those of you burdened with the busy work schedules, the good news is that the series runs for three weeks, and provides everything from flamenco and cabaret to the latest rock’n’roll. Participating artists include La Habitación Roja, Fuel Fandango, Carlos Núñez, Miguel Campello, Elefantes, and Furious Monkey House. Expect a huge number of warm notes to counter Madrid’s winter.
Inverfest 2017, 12-29 Jan, 9pm, Teatro Circo Price, Ronda de Atocha, 35. Metro: Atocha (L1), Embajadores (L3, L5), Lavapiés (L3). www.teatrocircoprice.es