Today we’re sharing a benefit raffle from our friends at Madrid For Refugees, a nonprofit organization that empowers refugees, asylum seekers and migrants through a range of community-run initiatives, such as job-oriented training courses, donation drives for essential items and fundraising events. There are many ways you can get involved. Participating in this raffle is one of them!

This month we celebrate World Refugee Day on 20 June, a key moment to communicate with the world about who refugees are and why they require protection. We celebrate refugees’ contributions and seek to build empathy and understanding for their plight and their resilience to build a bright future. This year we are highlighting the power of inclusion, reminding us that together we can do anything.

To celebrate World Refugee Day, we are honored to partner with Naked Madrid to feature 6 incredible initiatives that strive to improve the lives of those at risk of social exclusion or are led by refugees and migrants themselves. Each initiative is offering great raffle prizes which you could win by joining our World Refugee Day benefit raffle until 29 June 2021. This guide and raffle has been curated by Christina Samson, President of Madrid For Refugees.

To take part in the raffle, click here

1. Altramuz Editorial

Altramuz is a social publishing house that started in 2021 with the goal of showing a real vision of diversity. They unite culture and education, with the goal of transforming the idea that diverse people are a minority. Altramuz tells real stories of people who can finally see their reality  represented free of stereotypes through books that are narrated, written, illustrated, corrected or revised by people from diverse backgrounds.

• Website: altramuzeditorial.com
• Instagram: @altramuzeditorial
• Facebook: Altramuz.Editorial
• E-mail: info@altramuzeditorial.com

Raffle prize:

Set of 2 books signed by the author (in Spanish) “Samir and the Meteor Shower” and “Sarah and the Meteor Shower” – new books that speak on the reality of the Syrian people, who must leave their home, their roots, because of the war and are often stigmatized and treated under the umbrella of intolerance in host countries.

2. El Huerto de Usman

Usman started his organic garden to return to his roots and work towards natural and sustainable agriculture as a way of life. Usman was born in Mauritania from a family who worked in agriculture and livestock in Hassi Chaggar, his hometown. Today Usman lives in the Lavapiés neighborhood and since 2014 he has dedicated himself to organic farming. The organic garden and farm is located on the banks of the Jarama River, in the “Soto del Grillo” natural area in the town of Rivas-Vaciamadrid (Madrid).

Huerto de Usman’s philosophy is to take care of the environment through the production of quality food, applying agro-ecological techniques that respect the environment and people, respect the natural growing cycle and cultivate seasonal organic vegetables respecting their natural cycles and growth so customers can enjoy more nutritious and tasty produce. El Huerto de Usman offers baskets of seasonal organic vegetables for home delivery or for pickup in Lavapiés.

• Website: https://verdurasecologicasusman.com/ 
• Instagram: @huertodeusman
• Facebook: ElHuertoDeUsman
• E-mail: info@verdurasecologicasusman.com 
• Phone: +34 662 58 77 08

Raffle prize:

5kg seasonal organic vegetable basket for delivery in Madrid

3. Ellas lo bordan

Ellas lo bordan is a social impact sewing workshop that offers job opportunities to women in vulnerable situations. Its production is sustainable, supports personal growth and contributes to local development. Their work has triple impact: economic, social and environmental. They are a socially transformative alternative for companies supporting responsible consumption and production.

• Website: ellaslobordan.es
• Instagram: @ellaslobordan
• Email: info@ellaslobordan.es
• Phone: +34 622 491 105

Raffle prize:

Handmade wine bottle carrier and a set of placemats (wine not included)

4. Robingood

Robingood is the first food brand that offers artisan and local products, manufactured by people at risk of social exclusion. Its products are “Food with soul”, products that help change lives. Robingood gives people the opportunity to enjoy food products that generate a positive impact in society. They contribute to social inclusion and improve the professionalization of small producers, workers and social enterprises.

• Website: robingood.es
• Instagram: @robingoodselection
• Facebook: RobinGoodSelection
• Email: info@robingood.es / https://www.robingood.es/contacto/ 
• Phone: +34 637 146 612

Raffle prize:

Pack of artisanal bread sticks: sunflower seeds, cheese, carrot, and vegetables+tomato mix. They are baked and made with natural ingredients, high in fiber, 100% vegetables, no palm oil, and no preservatives.

5. La Quinta Cocina

Garden café in the Quinta de los Molinos Park

In the corner of one of the most beautiful parks in Madrid, La Quinta de Los Molinos, you will find Madrid City Council’s only cultural center for children and young people called La Quinta Espacio Abierto. Upon entering the majestic building, you’ll find the garden café called La Quinta Cocina, one of the most unique training and gastronomic spaces in Madrid. This is a hospitality training project for young people at risk of social exclusion which consists of a course offered by the Madrid City Council and managed by the NGO CESAL.

In four months, forty young people learn from day one how to work in a professional kitchen and serve guests. La Quinta Cocina’s menu features homemade dishes with an international flair. Come to this beautiful place and take part in this gastronomic experience and, at the same time, support the most disadvantaged young people in our society.

• Website: https://espacioquinta.madrid.es/la-quinta-cocina/  
• Instagram: @ongcesal
• Facebook: ONG CESAL
• E-mail: quintacocina@madrid.es
• Address: Calle Juan Ignacio Luca de Tena, 20, 28027 Madrid
• Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 10:00 – 20:00
• Phone: +34 915 880 730

Raffle prize:

25 euro gift voucher (see menu)

6. El Jardín Árabe

Traditional Moroccan cuisine in Madrid

Chef Imane is from Casablanca and grew up in a family well versed in the world of Moroccan gastronomy. She learned how to cook the best recipes with her mother. Cooking started as a hobby but eventually cooking became her vocation and profession. She feels that cooking is her world, which led her to open El Jardín Arabe in 2021.

Her goal is to offer her customers authentic Moroccan food with its special flavors and aromas with traditional recipes and top quality products. Here in Madrid, El Jardín Árabe is one of the few places with a wide variety of gourmet dishes, especially the famous Moroccan Pastela.

• Website: eljardinarabe.es
• Instagram: @eljardinarabe
• E-mail: eljardinarabe@gmail.com
• Phone: +34 695795581

Raffle prize:

25 euros gift voucher for food orders in Madrid

Take part in our benefit raffle to support refugees!

In addition to directly supporting these incredible initiatives, with a €6 donation you can enter our benefit raffle for the chance to win an awesome prize and support Madrid For Refugees at the same time.

You may also like: 21 Madrid volunteer opportunities in 2021

It’s International Women’s Day! And in order to celebrate, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite women-owned businesses, artistic projects and local initiatives in Madrid. This useful guide was created by Naked Madrid and VeraContent to showcase Madrid’s inspiring community of female entrepreneurs.

And in collaboration with Madrid For Refugees, these businesses have generously donated prizes for a benefit raffle to help celebrate International Women’s Day.

To take part in the raffle, click here!

Find out how you can support local, female-owned businesses in Madrid and win some fantastic prizes at the same time!

1. Eco Families ES

Eco Families ES specializes in eco-friendly clothing with no carbon footprint. They plant one tree for every garment that’s bought from their site, and 100% of the profits are invested in reforestation and conservation projects across Spain and around the world. Their products are donated by users, so each pre-loved item that’s purchased on ecofamilies.org skips the 8kg of CO2 that are generated in the production process, and the carbon footprint is reduced by 50kg as a result.

Raffle donation:

A €50 voucher for clothes on their site.

Contact info:

• Instagram: @ecofamilies.es 
• Email: info@ecofamilies.org (Abigail Austin)
• Phone: +34722593387

2. Made Obvious 

Lia Quigley is an Irish print designer who founded Made Obvious in July 2020. Her idea was to create ethical and sustainable products from her studio in Madrid. Lia’s prints are gorgeous, as she has over a decade of experience in the fashion industry with leading brands such as Calvin Klein, Topshop and Zara. 

All of Lia’s products are made using GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton through a process of no-waste pattern cutting, and she uses excess fabric to make heat therapy pillows. These are primarily intended to support pain relief and were inspired by Lia’s chronic pain condition and in-depth understanding of pain-relief techniques. 

Lia has also created a craft community which meets once a month to explore all things craft. The Made Obvious mission is to connect through creativity and be a powerful voice for chronic pain warriors in the sustainable fashion industry.

Raffle donation:

A “Labour of Love” eye pillow. (€35)

Contact info:

• Instagram: @madeobvious   
• Email: madeobviousbusiness@gmail.com (Lia)

3. peSeta 

peSeta is a sustainable fashion brand which was established in Madrid at the start of the century. The brand was founded by Laura del Pozo, an entrepreneur and lover of all things fabric. PeSeta’s leading values are people, sustainability and equality.

In addition to running her brand, Laura has given talks in Guinea, Palestine, Senegal and many other places about her role as a businesswoman in the sustainable fashion industry. She has also been involved in numerous projects, such as teaching women how to sew in Senegal and “Diálogos en femenino plural,” an initiative organized by the AECID (Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation) in Palestine, where participants discuss themes of fashion and social change among Spanish and Palestinian women. 

Raffle donation:

A backpack. (€109)

Contact info:

• Instagram: @pesetaoficial
• Email: Jaime@peseta.org 
• Shop: Calle de las Huertas 37, 28014, Madrid, Spain
• Phone: +34915211404

4. ALBURAYA

ALBURAYA specializes in unique necklaces that tell a story of the cultural and artistic wealth of Africa. Their goal is to design long-lasting jewelry that’s filled with memories and meaning. The brand focuses on creating a bond between those who share a passion and love for handmade jewelry as they are all crafted and designed at a workshop in Madrid. 

Raffle donation:

A necklace. (€40-120)

Contact info:

• Instagram: @alburaya 
• Email: sofiayanesburaya@gmail.com 
• Phone: +34640310175 

5. Entrelanados

Entrelanados offers in-person and online workshops on woven mandalas inspired by the Wixárika people. Julia, Entrelanados’s founder, explores how mandalas are more than just a craft—they strengthen skills, self esteem, reduce stress and help to generate connections in the present moment. Circles of positive energy are formulated by the flow of the fabrics in the workshops, combining the creation of mandalas and art therapy.

Raffle donation:

A Mandala Tibetano workshop voucher (for those in Spain), a gift card for those outside of Spain. (€35)

Contact info: 

• Instagram: @entrelanados 
• Facebook: Entrelanados
• Phone: +34679227290

6. Catus Bastet 

Catus Bastet is a self-managed design and illustration project. Its main focus is on feminism and sharing experiences and designs with customers to generate a sense of community and collective imagination. Their most iconic products are the t-shirts and sweatshirts, as well as the stickers with the Akelarre design. While their primary ambition is to share and celebrate feminism, they love embracing different fashion and accessory designs! 

Raffle donation: 

A bag and sticker with the Akelarre design. (€10)

Contact info:

• Instagram: @catus.bastet
• Facebook: @catus.bastet 
• Email: catusbastet@gmail.com

Address: They don’t currently have a shop but you can find lots of their products at La Oveja Negra taberna vegana, on Calle Buenavista 42, 28012, Madrid.

7. Bô Coffee Madrid

Bô Coffee Madrid is a specialty brunch and coffee shop located in the heart of Chamberí in Madrid. They have an extensive menu of drinks, desserts and brunch options, with some really healthy and tasty treats available. Check it out and support a female-owned brunch spot this International Women’s Day!

Raffle donation:

A complete brunch with a drink, meal and dessert.

Contact info:

• Instagram: @bocoffeemadrid 
• Facebook: @bocoffeemadrid
• Phone: +34913952089
• Address: Calle Espronceda 16, Madrid.

8. A Space to Express 

A Space to Express was created by Vesta Rounsaville in 2015 and was first implemented as an extracurricular activity in bilingual schools. It now hosts bilingual artistic events including the “Paint and Sip” art-technique workshops where participants recreate famous works of art while enjoying art therapy sessions with live music. 

A Space to Express is now collaborating frequently with the NGO Madrid For Refugees, and for every event, a portion of the proceeds are donated to the charity.

Raffle donation: 

A free ticket to a Paint and Sip night.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @a_space_to_express
• Facebook: A Space to Express: Paint and Sip
• Email: vesta.rounsaville@gmail.com
• Phone: +34685436995

9. Besha Wear

Founded in 2018, Besha Wear was created by Besha, a Congolese seamstress who moved to Madrid in search of better career opportunities. When founding Besha Wear, her initial intention was to get Spaniards to wear clothes from Africa. But before she knew it, her initiative had evolved into a hub for African migrants and a food bank which she runs with the help of contributions from World Central Kitchen. 

Raffle donation: 

A woven bag from Burkina Faso. (€35)

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @beshawear
• Address: Calle Esgrima 5, 28012, Lavapiés, Madrid

Take part in our benefit raffle to support Madrid For Refugees & women-owned businesses in Madrid!

In addition to directly supporting these women-owned businesses in Madrid, with a €6 donation you can enter our benefit raffle for the chance to win an awesome prize and support Madrid For Refugees at the same time.

Thank you to all of the businesses listed above for donating gifts to the raffle, and to VeraContent team members Kyler Canastra, Emily Wilson and Jess Farmer for putting this guide together.

Are you familiar with Toma Cafe? It’s a craft coffee shop that has made quite the buzz with locals and expats alike, and has been featured in Naked Madrid more than once for its quality coffee and hip vibes. But Santiago, the owner of Toma Cafe, has a new venture in Toma’s very own tostador. The coffee shop has partnered up with local DJs to bring you Proper Sound Cafe.

Proper Sound Cafe (also considered Toma Cafe 3) is quite new, opening its doors in July, though the idea—if the Instagram is an indication—was conceived pre-Covid days. Open only a few days a week as of now (get there Thursday-Saturday from 20-24), the tostador is small and intimate.

Wooden benches line the sides with extra stools in place for seating. In the back you can see the high-quality espresso machine used for making their infamous lattes, and of course the machines used to make their own beans. Then, there’s the DJ booth, framed by rows of vinyls and bottles of their wine selection. 

“I wanted to bring people together with good coffee, good wine, good cheeses, good music,” Santiago said when asked about the conception of Proper Sound Cafe as he sipped from a glass of tinto. 

And he’s not wrong. Besides being able to enjoy live music again (a missed form of communion amid the pandemic), this is complemented by their menu of artisanal beer and natural wines.

Natural wines are a traditional way of making wine, fermented, and with less additives. Having gone a few times now, I’ve tried all 3 of their offerings: white, red, and orange. And all three have surprised me with their depth of flavor and range. The waiters (or are they still considered baristas?) are knowledgeable about their wine menu. Just tell them if you want something suave or fuerte or what flavors you enjoy, and they’ll point you in the right direction. It led me to one of my favorites, Gilda from the Tiago Teles winery in Lisbon, Portugal, that was a mix of three types of grapes. Don’t forget to try their cheese board or their fresh hummus served with crackers. 

As for the music, Santiago goes with local DJs, some of them even close friends. The music ranges from classics to trip-hop to jazz (classic and future), and everything in between. The night that I went, @Giiansta was playing. I sipped on my Gilda with my friend enjoying her wine choice as D’Angelo’s ‘Feel Like Makin’ Love’ and Billie Holiday’s ‘You Go to My Head’ echoed from the overhead speakers.

The discotecas may be closed, but here at Proper Sound Cafe, I caught sight of a few people dancing when the music shifted towards disco and hip hop, with Beyonce’s ‘Drunk in Love’ playing among the mix. 

I spoke with Daniel, one of the baristas at Toma Cafe, on one of my first visits here, and asked him what their plans were. They hoped to expand towards daytime hours (which it seems they may be starting according to their Instagram), which is a great idea. I can only see this venue becoming more popular as time goes by and the cafe itself is quite intimate. 

Check out their Instagram where they post updates on type of music to expect for the upcoming weekend, the names of the DJs, and any change in hours. 

Proper Sound Cafe: 

• Instagram: @propersoundcafe
• Address: Calle de Raimundo Lulio, 16, 28010, Madrid
• Metro: Line 2 (Iglesias)
• Schedule: Thurs–Sat: 8pm–12am

By Jessica Ramos

Jessica is an LA-native freelance writer and teacher currently based in Madrid, Spain. When she’s not busy writing, she’s taking photos, watching horror films, and searching for rock bars around the city. Visit Jessica’s website and follow her on instagram: @artistandthecity

Madrid music artists need your help! The five-year-old concert experience project Living Room Concerts had to cancel their entire spring season of in-person live concerts and did a reboot to online interactive virtual concerts. They have refocused their aim to focus on independent singer-songwriters, bands, composers and musicians who make their living mainly or solely from their music and who are now struggling.

The struggle is very real with the entire arts and entertainment industry for these performers to pay rent, bills and buy food. Living Room Concerts (LRC) made a full pivot to online concerts but we will begin having small concerts in open-air spaces this summer. To ensure the safety of those who would like to attend, we will follow strict protocol in regards to gatherings.

In the beginning of the pandemic, LRC took two months off to develop an online model that allows for live-streamed performances while keeping the key aspect of the experience—bringing people together to socialize and meet new friends. Another important aspect that was incorporated was to make it a ticketed event that would both support the artists and give people a private virtual space to interact with other people in an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

Many music artists were and still are giving their art away for free online, and this is a battle Living Room Concerts has been fighting on behalf of music artists for five years now…

LRC strives to educate the public in understanding that making and performing music is a job, and that job should be compensated, not just in promotion, but with money—just like anyone else with a job. They have always priced their concert experiences very reasonably to make them as accessible and affordable as possible to all.

LRC is committed to highlighting music performers and entertainers in Madrid (or who have once lived in Madrid) in their regular concerts in-person and online. Concerts will be held all through June and into July. August is not yet decided, but in September they will return to a full programmed fall schedule, beginning the sixth series of the project. Concerts will be a mix of small in-person gatherings and virtual live streaming as needed.

Karla, LRC virtual concert attendee, says:

This was one of the most fun experiences I’ve had in a long time. Who knew a livestream could be so much fun… I loved the intimacy, the collaborations, the stories. The (virtual) hugs!!! #mustdoagain

Upcoming show with Feroza Cayetano

This Saturday, talented singer-songwriter, entertainer and performer Feroza Cayetano is performing a full virtual concert. In her music you will find strength, peace, love, beauty, an appreciation of self and the world, shelter from the storm. You can watch a video of Feroza performing here.

Feroza Cayetano is a singer-songwriter whose roots are in Central America. Originally from Belize by way of Honduras and Guatemala, she has spent much of her life living as a foreigner in foreign lands—Jamaica, the US, Brazil, Trinidad & Tobago and now Spain. Her experiences of “otherness” had a deep emotional impact, and it was through song and melody that she learned to understand and harness her emotions.

With her guitar as her main medium, she write songs that come from the depths of her soul—songs of healing, light and darkness. Feroza writes about her personal truths and struggles with the hope that she is not alone in her feelings. Feroza believes in creating space for introspection and healing, and she encourages listeners to encounter their own emotions through hers.

She has been featured at the Belize International Yoga Festival 2017, the New Fire Festival 2018 and has performed on many platforms across the Caribbean. Two weeks ago, Feroza was interviewed on live TV for the Open Your Eyes morning show in Belize, her homeland, talking about her latest single, “Prayer Song”, her Garifuna roots, her creative process during the lockdown in Spain, and the process of working on her upcoming album.

Feroza and the organizers at Living Room Concerts understand that everyone is itching to be outside after so many days inside, so they have three viewing options for attendees to help them support the project and the artist to keep both going.

Viewing options:

1. Full Immersion 

• Join the livestream, participate in the online chat or organize a small watchparty with friends in-person in accordance with Madrid’s rules on gatherings.

2. Just Listening

• Watch the livestream only. The same as above but skip the online chat either at home or wherever you go with your mobile device.

3. Watch Later

• See the live recording of the concert later at your convenience.

All you need to do is to click the ticket link in the Facebook event to join concert-goers from all over the world online and support this incredible independent music artist by attending her live broadcast livestream show this Saturday.

A history of the live concert series and new horizons

Living Room Concerts began as a members-only music group on Meetup of 2000+ members and hail from all different walks of life in Madrid, connected by our love and desire for indie singer-songwriters creating and performing their own original compositions for us. They ask unknown, little known, emerging, up-and-coming artists to come perform acoustic unplugged intimate concerts in private homes and unique spaces with attendance maximums of 20–50 people, depending on the size of the host’s space.

The LRC Meetup group was started in June 2015 with three purposes in mind. The first is to discover new original music. The second is to remove the stage and have a more direct interaction and connection between performer and audience. The third is to create a space where concert-goers can meet new people and form genuine connections.

Over a year later they created a Facebook page, Instagram account, and brought the option of attending to AirBnB Experiences. They were one of the first three music experiences in Madrid to appear on the AirBnB platform for the region.

And now that Living Room Concerts has moved their unique experience to the virtual world, they continue to bring the same intimate experience that made the unique experience so special and loved in the first place. Also, Living Room Concerts has some other offshoot branches with city- or country-specific focus on its roster for 2020: Tiny Kitchen Concerts, Living Room Concerts NYC, Living Room Concerts Dubai, Living Room Concerts Amsterdam and Living Room Concerts Turkey. 

Tiny Kitchen Concerts: baking and music combined

The first Tiny Kitchen Concert scheduled is to happen this Sunday at 6pm Madrid-time and is open to the international online backing and music-loving community. Living Room Concerts has teamed up with three other collaborators to offer a new international virtual experience of an integrated baking class and music concert, combined. Here’s the event link on Facebook: Baking an Orange Rose Bud Tart // Tiny Kitchen Concert LIVEstream

The experience takes those bits of time to rest, chill in the fridge or baking in the oven and fills those moments in with a live music performance and opportunities for conversation with other people in the class. Attendees can get to know people who share their same passions—music, baking and more. With this first offering, the dish is an original recipe of an Orange Rose Bud Tart created by chef Florence Elisabeth of Slowpastry, and the original music of singer-songwriter Spencer Ayscue of the Americana band Migrant Birds who will be streaming and playing live direct from his kitchen in Winston-Salem North Carolina.

What do an entertainer from North Carolina (US) and a French pastry chef have in common?

Spencer, who once lived in Madrid, and was a part of the emerging singer-songwriter music scene, performed for Living Room Concerts in 2015 and 2016 and was one of the first six concerts that helped LRC become what it is today. Chef Florence Elizabeth is a French pastry chef who lives here in Madrid and is a member of Valentina Ruffoni‘s group Eat In Madrid to which Nichole Hastings of Living Room Concerts also belongs.

Singer-songwriter Spencer says:

Some songs are enjoyable because of a catchy melody, and some because of good beat or riff, but it seems like the songs that really stick with you, the ones that come to you in the quiet moments or the raw moments, are the ones whose lyrics mean something, that tell a story or strike that emotional chord.

Chef Florence says:

My goal is to transmit my passion for high-quality pastry and demonstrate its power to create connections!

The organizing team of Tiny Kitchen Concerts believe that food and music bring people together, create connections, and those moments mean everything … their memories stay with you like the last note of a song hanging in the air which lingers like a delicious flavor on your tongue.

For those who want a next-level virtual experience where you get the benefit of learning to bake a French pastry dish from a French pastry chef, hear some new and original music, and meet interesting people from all over the world, need only to visit the website to see the full description of the experience and register.

Living Room Concerts around the world

The other four offshoot branches—Living Room Concerts NYC, Living Room Concerts Dubai, and Living Room Concerts Turkey, Living Room Concerts Amsterdam—are currently in development, with a focus on jazz music with artists who have been out of work since the beginning of lockdowns due to the pandemic crisis, and will be releasing virtual concert experiences soon.

A live virtual festival, Yalla Festival will kick off the concert series in Dubai on July 10th and 11th. Announcements for all of these will be made on the LRC’s website, Facebook and Instagram. Stay tuned, follow them on social media, Bookmark their website or sign up for an experience today!

LRC press coverage:

• https://youtu.be/IB2goUiRWxE
• http://cadenaser.com/programa/2018/01/10/fuego_y_chinchetas/1515601425_343482.html
• http://www.nakedmadrid.com/2018/01/23/weekend-planazo-living-room-concerts/
• https://www.instagram.com/p/BgWgHqFjO_W/?taken-by=localeur

LRC social media & websites:

• Meetup – www.meetup.com/living-room-concerts-official
• Website – www.stylemylife.us/livingroomconcerts/
• Facebook – www.facebook.com/pg/livingroomconcerts/
• Instagram – www.instagram.com/livingroomconcerts/
• Youtube – youtu.be/Vg6AOFZmhG0

By Nichole Hastings

You can connect with Nichole on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & Twitter. Here’s Nichole’s website (her ceramic artist page). 

Feature image by @TillyMayPhotography: Facebook, Instagram & Website

Your relationship with the art definitely changes. There’s less art and more space, so you’re able to take a few extra minutes in front of each painting.

Madrid’s museums are finally open and the city feels alive again! The Thyssen, Reina Sofía and Prado—known as the “Golden Triangle of Art”—closed mid-March and reopened on June 6th, with the caveat of accepting only 30% of their regular capacities.

New safety measures have been put in place. Guided tours, group visits and audio guides are unavailable and several exhibits remain closed. Due to the limited availability, finding tickets is also difficult, especially during the free hours. But despite the drawbacks, the experience is actually better in certain ways.

I recently visited the Reina Sofía museum, while my friend Covadonga Romero, who is the President of IE University’s Arts & Business Club, was able to visit the Prado. Here’s what our experiences were like. 

Climbing the stairs of the Lavapiés metro station and making my way down Calle Argumosa on a sunny summer evening, I notice Madrid’s resilience manifesting itself in the form of friends gathering and enjoying a caña on a terraza. The happiness and laughter emanating from the streets is contagious, and with every step I take towards Reina Sofía, I feel my anticipation rise. This is my first visit to a museum since the start of the lockdown, and I was beyond excited to take it all in again. 

I enter through the back entrance of the museum, encountering absolutely no one until I go through the customary security check and then am let in through to the exhibits. I was surprised to not undergo any more safety checks. Cova had reported that at the Prado, each visitor’s temperature was taken using a scanner before being allowed to enter the museum. “It gave me a greater sense of security, it kind of felt like going through an airport,” she tells me.

The lack of heightened checks at Reina Sofia may have concerned me had it not taken me passing by several rooms before encountering another visitor. I’m also reassured by signs indicating the safety precautions taken by the museum and the constant reminder to maintain two meters of distance from an apparently imaginary visitor who’s in proximity.

I pass through several rooms of a temporary Jorg Immendorf exhibit that was unfortunately ending the very same day. The silence and emptiness allow me to flow through the rooms in a more natural way, not having to worry about bumping into someone or taking too long in front of a painting. Cova has warned me of this but it still feels uniquely unfamiliar: “Your relationship with the art definitely changes. There’s less art and more space, so you’re able to take a few extra minutes in front of each painting.”

I start to get used to viewing art in this setting, comparing it to the usual experience of zig-zagging my way through a guided tour group to get a better view of Picasso’s Guernica. In fact, the room where I encounter the most people is the one that exhibits the Guernica, but even that room has only around 20 people in it. 

As vast sections of the museums remain closed (only the first and second floor of Reina Sofía is open to the public, whereas only approximately a third of the Prado is open), many of the main pieces of the permanent exhibitions have been moved to be included in the smaller space. This has both positive and negative effects on the museum experience.

“You’re able to see most of the main showpieces of the Prado in a few hours and you don’t have to walk as much whereas normally you’d have to spend all day to see them,” says Cova. “But it also slightly takes away from the experience. The way the art works were positioned before had a logical, historical and artistic flow to it. Now it’s all kind of mixed up.”

As an example, Cova mentions how El Bosco’s The Garden of Earthly Delight, the Table of the Seven Deadly Sins and other works were previously all situated in one room. Now, the Table of the Seven Deadly Sins is placed in a hallway and The Garden of Earthly Delights is not even exhibited.

Cova gives another example: “Earlier, when you would see Goya’s paintings, you would first see the paintings depicting battle scenes, then you’d walk into a dark room where you would see the 14 Black Paintings that were taken from the walls of his house. Now, only three of those paintings are exhibited and are spread around in random rooms with paintings that have nothing to do with the theme. It takes away from the effect that walking into the darkened room has, and changes the atmosphere entirely.”

I complete my visit to Reina Sofia at the exact time that the museum closes. Two hours is all it took to view all that’s displayed. As we are ushered out, I sit down on a step in Plaza de Juan Goytisolo in front of the museum, trying to take it all in. The pinkish blue sunset sky with its white wispy clouds remind me of a Magritte painting. It serves as the perfect backdrop to Madrid’s bubbling life; young children playing and cycling, abuelos having a drink at the terraza and a few young boys practicing parkour.

Madrid feels alive again. I’m extremely grateful for this experience, and would absolutely recommend visiting the museums, especially while Madrid’s treasures are solely for Madrid’s residents, before the city is overrun with tourists once again. 

By Rishabh Agrawal (IG: @rishabh.a)

Also read our article on Madrid’s museums: The obvious and not-so-obvious (and how to get in for free)

We’re gradually reclaiming the streets — but something’s missing. From the traditional taverns of Huertas to the high-end cocktail bars of Chueca, many of our favorite hangouts remain shuttered from sight. 

We can finally see some socially distanced light at the end of what has been an unprecedented tunnel, but the sad truth is that many small businesses just can’t keep their doors open much longer. Those alfresco cañas might (almost) be within touching distance, but strict capacity regulations mean our local haunts won’t be able to survive on in-house activity alone. 

So the question is, what can we do to stop our favorite tapas bars disappearing from the Madrid landscape? 

For starters (no pun intended!), ordering takeout a couple of nights a week is a great way to help keep the cash flowing. And with most places having hooked up with the likes of Deliveroo and UberEats, you won’t even need to run the face-masked gauntlet.

But if you think ordering in your usual Friday night ración of patatas bravas might be a little too much for your emotions to handle right now (cue memories of balmy nights on outdoor terraces with friends flooding back), then check out the Cuando Volvamos scheme. 

This ingenious, non-profit initiative is the brainchild of a group of experts from the business design company Igeneris. Here, you can purchase all manner of activities and products from small businesses across the city that can be used (or collected) once things get back to normal. 

And the good news is we’re not just talking food here (let’s be honest: lockdown hasn’t done our waistlines any favors). There’s everything from driving lessons to furniture restoration courses available. 

We reckon the platform also makes for a great source of original, altruistic birthday presents. After all, who’d say no to a massage once all this is over? You could say, they’re the very definition of gifts that keep on giving.

Of course, it’s not just small businesses that need our support, it’s our community too. The sad reality is that ordering takeout couldn’t be further from the minds of so many people in Madrid right now.

Dragones de Lavapiés is just one food bank that has sprung up since the pandemic took hold. What was once a local football club for migrant children, is now a precious lifeline for endless counts of vulnerable families in the neighborhood.

With demand showing no signs of waning and charities pushed to the limit, these places desperately need our help more than ever. Let’s be honest: if we can afford a chai latte to-go, then what’s a couple of bags of rice?

So, let’s dig deep. With Madrid’s official food bank having set up an online donations page, you don’t even have to risk an extra trip to the store. It’s time for us all to pull together.

By Helen Hadley (LinkedIn)

• Contact Jorge (+34 695 973 652) from Dragones de Lavapiés to find out more about volunteering opportunities, or make a donation via bank transfer (ES9000730100510503058640).

• Feeling hungry? Check out my top choices for vegan and vegetarian takeout during lockdown.

• Also follow our top choices for takeaway and delivery in Madrid!

Know of any other ways to support Madrid’s local businesses and community? Get in touch with daphne@veracontent.com

If you cast your mind back to pre-lockdown Madrid, pollution alerts on public transport, the brown cloud, and fiery political debates on the future of Madrid Central were as much part of everyday life as la hora del vermut. Let’s be honest though: a lot’s changed since then.

It’s hard (sometimes impossible) to find positives in this “new normal.” But aside from the politicians and medical staff, there’s someone else who’s pretty grateful we’re all staying safe at home – Mother Nature. The city’s air is the cleanest it’s been in decades and as a result, life’s returning to our green areas. If that sounds like something worth celebrating, then why not hang up your apron for the evening and order some takeout?

We know, that doesn’t exactly sound like eco-friendly advice. However, as the city’s once burgeoning vegan and vegetarian restaurant scene fights for survival, with owners desperately clambering to adhere to new hygiene laws in order to keep their doors open, there’s no need to beat yourself up about (slightly) increasing your carbon footprint. 

After all, if we want these sustainable eateries to remain part of Madrid’s cosmopolitan culinary revolution, then they need our support now more than ever. So, if you’ve tried out enough new recipes to last a lifetime and you’re craving some fresh falafel, here’s a round-up of the best vegan and vegetarian eateries offering home delivery during lockdown (and beyond)!

1. Bunny’s Deli – the eco warrior’s paradise!

If saving the planet’s pretty high on your list of priorities (shouldn’t it be on everyone’s?), then order something tasty from Bunny’s Deli. Not only is all of their packaging completely compostable, this family-run business is fully powered by renewable energy. 

• Instagram: @bunnys_deli
• Address: Calle San Gregorio, 17, 28004, Madrid
• Phone: 648 73 27 83
• Delivery: Uber Eats

2. The Vegan Burger – who needs meat?

The Vegan Burger is one of the Salamanca barrio’s up-and-coming haunts. Though it may not be quite as “trendy” as some of its neighbors, it’s certainly popular with young madrileños eager to jump on the vegan bandwagon. And with burgers this good, who can blame them? 

• Facebook: @theveganburger
• Address: Calle del Gral Oraá, 34, 28006 Madrid, Spain
• Phone: 913 95 27 25
• Delivery: just-eat.es, chatfood.io

3. La Huerta de Almería – bringing the coast a little closer

For all of us in Madrid right now, the delights of the coast seem far from reach. But don’t despair – there’s a glimmer of hope in sight! This rustic corner of Malasaña is offering nutritious, coastal-inspired menus del día straight to your door from Monday to Friday. It’s the perfect midday pick-me-up when you’re working from home.

• Instagram & Facebook: @lahuerta_de_almeria
• Address: Corredera Baja de San Pablo, 47, 28004 Madrid, Spain
• Phone: 912 79 92 58
• Delivery: just-eat.es, Deliveroo, Uber Eats

4. Rajasthan – spice up your lockdown life!

Had your summer backpacking adventure put on hold? With food this good delivered to your doorstep, you’ll (almost) feel like you’re there. They have a wide range of spice levels to suit all tastes and their peshwari naan bread always hits the spot.

• Facebook: @rajamahal2003
• Address: Calle de Atocha, 47, 28012 Madrid, Spain
• Delivery: just-eat.es

5. Plantarse – a helping hand for local farmers

If you’ve overdone it on the junk food and you’re feeling a little “out of whack,” Plantarse will help get your body back on track. Its plant-based delights are designed to offer inner peace through healthy living – and we all need some of that right now. The best bit: the majority of this delivery-only kitchen’s ingredients are locally sourced. 

• Instagram & Facebook: @plantarse.pb
• Address: Calle Francisco de Rojas 7, 28010, Madrid
• Delivery: just-eat.es, Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Glovo

Article by Helen Hadley

Also check out:

• La Ración: Supplying Madrid with Spanish comfort food during lockdown
• Mercado Acre, shop small to keep dreams big
• Order pizza from Lab 84 and take the sting out of lockdown

Where are you ordering takeout during lockdown? Let us know!

Every Sunday, one of the most authentic experiences in Madrid takes form. With little evidence of commercialization, the Rastro, Madrid’s infamous flea market, continues to draw locals, exchange students and tourists. The charm of the market oozes the Spanish ambiance that many are searching for in between the ever-growing number of chain restaurants and carbon copy stores.  It’s been around for over 400 years and has survived two dictatorships and countless wars, so it’s safe to say that it will be around for some time.

The Rastro extends from La Latina to Ronda de Toledo, but the best finds are in the winding streets in between. Many start by getting out at the La Latina metro station and then walking to Plaza de Cascorro, considered by many as the start of the Rastro. The contrasting smell of burning incense sticks and the sight of people rummaging through second-hand Levi’s reminds you that this is a market that caters for all. 

As you battle your way through the crowds on Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores, and past the statue of solider Eloy Gonzalo, the market livens up to the soundtrack of African drummers and eccentric jazz musicians. Now is a good time to sit and enjoy the first caña of the day and engross yourself in the busyness of the Rastro.

Further up is Calle Carlos Arniches where you can browse through old books. Or perhaps you may want to get lost in the expensive antiques of Plaza General Vara del Rey. Towards the end of the Rastro is Plaza de Campillo del Mundo Nuevo where children go with their fathers, who went before them, to swap football stickers. This plaza is full of old magazines, comic books and music to suit all ages.

Yet, one of the most curious areas is the political flower market. Instead of getting out of the La Latina metro station head for Tirso De Molina.  As you enter the plaza from the metro station it looks no different to any of the other sections of the market. Most people don’t give the stalls a second look as they see an assortment of flags, books and black t-shirts with rebellious slogans printed on them. However, upon closer inspection you can see that this is the most radical area of the Rastro. 

In the square, next to the terraces full of people taking a rest from the busy city on a Sunday morning, sits the flower market. In between the flower stalls, the flags of political movements, and the short-lived second republic, wave in the wind above the foldable tables.

Many different political factions from Spain congregate here to sell their wares and show off their propaganda. The Confederación Nacional del Trabajo (CNT), an anarcho-syndicalist trade union, are based close to here and they are easily identified by their black and red flag. The CNT are the main political Spanish presence here, and then there are various collective groups that pop up from time to time, the most intriguing being the Friends of North Korea (easily identifiable by their red and blue flag next to the entrance of the metro). There are also ecology groups, feminist groups and many stalls selling all assortments of t-shirts and badges. 

This is also a place for activist groups to come and campaign and gain signatures for petitions. I’ve seen groups fighting gentrification in Lavapies to euthanasia campaigners, with the latter group getting their cause in front of the Spanish parliament. Proving that where there is a cause, there is someone fighting for it. Whether that is on a stall in the Rastro or down the road in parliament. That said, you are not likely to see Partido Popular campaigning for lower taxes here, this area is very much on the progressive left side of politics. In fact, it was once called Plaza del Progreso in the 18^th century. Later it was renamed after Spanish playwright Tirso de Molina, whose real name was Gabriel Téllez. He was a monk who lived in a monastery which was on the site in the 17^th century. However, he didn’t write about god, he wrote erotically charged plays. As you can see the area has links to rebellious people.

The various groups, despite their differences on political theory, get along and many have been coming here for years. Busts of Lenin, purple feminist t-shirts and literature on the ecological state of the planet can all be brought here along with a bunch of daffodils. So why are old revolutionists and feminists sat with flower sellers? 

During the time of the dictator Francisco Franco they banned all political parties. However, many people were resistant to his regime throughout the 35 years that he ruled over Spain. The Spanish Communist Party became a focal point, as the Spanish Socialist Party amongst others went into exile during the dictatorship. Even people that weren’t sympathetic to the communist cause joined the party in secret. These people were more anti-Franco rather than pro-communist. There were also several other smaller groups spread out over Spain. 

These various factions worked with foreign political forces from outside Spain, or Spaniards that had gone into exile. They would coordinate amongst themselves to make sure that Franco’s regime never had an easy life. Their goal was to transition the country back to a state of democracy after the dictator’s death. An example of this underground resistance was the assassination of Luis Carrero Blanco. He was installed as Prime Minister by Franco before his death, and many thought that he would continue the dictatorship after Franco had gone. A group put a bomb under his car and set it off as he was leaving mass. 

Plaza Tirso de Molina was where these groups used to exchange political messages. They used the flower market as cover so that they could exchange political messages. The people that gather here today amongst the different coloured roses and bouquets continue to respect this tradition and meet here every Sunday. This is the story of the Rastro’s radical flower market.

By Alan McGuire

Alan McGuire is a British writer living in Madrid. He is currently working on a book about Spanish society and a YouTube channel about modern Spanish history. You can follow him on Twitter here.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It’s Madrid Art Week and that means that this weekend will be chock-a-block of art fairs. But how to you know which one to choose? If, like me, you have a puente and a free schedule, you might consider just hitting up as many as possible and it’s certainly do-able but if you don’t have as much time, money or energy, here’s a handy guide.

7 Madrid art fairs to check out this weekend:

1. Drawing Room

I’m going to start out with Drawing Room which is my personal favourite and the one I try to head to every year. I like Drawing Room because it’s smaller and a bit more intimate than a lot of the other fairs. It takes place at the Palacio Santa Barbara at Alonso Martinez which has 2 stories, I believe. As the name suggests, Drawing Room focuses on illustration and so you often get to see art that’s a lot more naturally inspired, a bit more minimal and often very intricate. Drawing Room is open to the public from Thursday Feb 26th and runs until Sunday March 1st. General entrance is 10 euros.

2. Art Madrid

Next up is my second favourite, Art Madrid. If you want a bigger art fair feel with more diversity of art styles and mediums but don’t want to go for broke with ARCO, Art Madrid is a good alternative. I have come across many of my favourite artists there like Lino Lago and Alejandra Atares (seriously check their work out!) but as it’s bigger, it does warrant a bit more time. I would say you should expect to spend at least 2 hours there. Art Madrid takes place at the Crystal Gallery part of Cibeles and it is already open to the public. It runs from Wed 26th to March 1st and a general ticket will set you back 15 euros. There is a student discount available though which will cost you 12 euros.

3. Urvanity

Next up, I would recommend Urvanity which takes place at COAM. If you like your art to be a little out there, brighter and more unusual, then Urvanity is the one for you. I went to Urvanity for the first time just last year and I quite enjoyed it. The art there is bursting with colour and a lot of the art was very political. There were lots of messages about the excesses of capitalism, feminism, the costs of war, and concerns about the environment.

Urvanity doesn’t pull its punches and that social consciousness often carries over into the art talks that they have every day throughout the fair. These talks are FREE and completely open (unlike at most of the other fairs where you have to reserve in advance) and they discuss challenges and concerns facing the contemporary art world and today’s artists. Urvanity also takes art to the streets by sponsoring major street art projects throughout the city which you can find on their website under Art Walls. Urvanity is only open to the public from Friday 28th to Sunday March 1st. A one day ticket costs 10 euros while a 3 day abono costs 25 euros.

4. Hybrid

The other big alternative art fair is Hybrid. Hybrid is the cool kids art fair. It takes place in a swanky hotel in Malasaña, the art is set up in rooms on multiple floors and it boasts a ton of musical guests and a cool hang out/party space as well. Hybrid welcomes the more provocative works. If you’re looking for art that’s more experimental and if you want to get real up close and personal with the artists, then you would probably love Hybrid. Hybrid takes place at the Hotel Petit Palace and is open to visits from Friday February 28th to Sunday March 1st. A one day ticket will cost 9 euros while the 3 day abono is just 14 euros. You can save a euro if you buy your ticket online.

5. Salon de Arte Moderno

Now if you want to get off the beaten path and head to an art fair that’s a little bit less well known, head down to Salamanca for the Salon de Arte Moderno. This art fair takes place at a nondescript building at Calle Velazquez, 12 which is actually where Drawing Room was held the first year I attended it. SAM is open from February 24th to March 1st. If you want some help navigating the artworks on display, you can sign up for one of their twice daily guided tours. There is also a fantastic gastronomic component to SAM where selected restaurants in the Salamanca neighbourhood like Amazonico or El Perro y La Galleta have a special, art-inspired dish just for the duration of the fair. SAM is free! You just need to sign up for an invitation on their website.

6. Just Mad

Just Mad is another pretty big fair which has a little bit of everything. I would particularly recommend it for fans of sculpture as I saw quite a few sculptural pieces there last year. It takes place at Palacio Neptuno just off the Triangle of Art. For me, Just Mad was the most impersonal art fair that I went to. I feel that it is garnered more towards art buyers and collectors instead of just the casual viewer but there are a lot of great pieces so if you’re happy to let the art speak for itself and you don’t necessarily want to meet a lot of artists, don’t let me dissuade you. And of course, you can have wonderful, enlightening conversations with the gallery representatives as well. There are also guided tours you can sign up for on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. General entrance tickets cost 13 euros while the reduced tickets (for students) are just 7!

7. ARCO

And the last one is the elephant in the room, the big Kahuna, the mother of all art fairs in Madrid, ARCO. I have never been to ARCO, although I want to, but I’m sure it’s a tremendous experience and something you need at least half a day to visit. There are discussions and meetings between Spanish and international museums. It takes place at IFEMA and is open to the public from midday on Friday until Sunday 1st. General entrance on Friday and Saturday is 40 euros while it’s 30 on Sunday. Students meanwhile pay only 20 euros any day!

Hope you enjoy Madrid Art Week!

Whoo, we made it to the end of the list! If you read all of this, I salute you and I hope you have a wonderful weekend, discovering new artists and talking to them about their work. Don’t be shy! Remember, artists want their work to be seen and I have honestly never come across an artist who wasn’t happy and excited to talk about their pieces with me. Art is for everyone, including the non-industry casuals like you perhaps and me. Enjoy! But be sure to pace yourself and wash your hands.

*Most images are from Esmadrid.com, Madrid’s official tourism website. Feature image is from @artmadridferia

By Kristen Wiltshire (IG: @makidocious)

When she’s not at a museum or the movies, Kristen can usually be found trying to make headway in her giant pile of books or her miles long Netflix queue. She also runs Madrid Art and Culture, a Facebook group dedicated to Madrid’s myriad cultural offerings.

Also check out:

Art lover’s guide to Madrid: 7 resources to keep you up to date

If you’ve ever ventured to Lavapiés on a Thursday night you may well have felt the vibrant pulse of English language entertainment beating to its own rhythm at La Escalera de Jacob. The long-established indy theatre hosts MAD Improv – Madrid’s go-to group for all things improv in English. The group offers up their weekly show (now in its third season) to audiences of native and non-native English speakers alike, as reflected in the multiple reviews on their Trip Advisor page. They’re now the 44^th highest-rated show in all of Madrid, no less.

Their show formats include MAD About You, an improvised chat show complete with improvised interviews with audience members and an improvised house band, and MAD Monologues where fresh stand up material from comics on the local stand up scene inspires the mad improv that follows. But coming to see a MAD Improv show on a Thursday night is, for some, just the beginning of a deeper and ever-surprising journey into doing improvisation themselves.

Improv training

That’s because MAD Improv, which began life in 2014, run courses and workshops. This month their flagship Green Course for beginners and near-beginners starts for the 7^th time, as well as their Blue Course, specially designed for those with existing improv training, such as their own Green Course.

Steve Loader, one of the founding members of MAD Improv, is the teacher of their beginners course. He describes the experience as:

Witnessing a brilliant whirlwind of personal discoveries and magic Eureka moments as participants grasp the basics of improv and run with them. The feedback we get from our alumni is proof that not only anyone can learn improv but also that improv turns out to be much more than just a type of performance, but something that feeds into everyday life.

One student from their last Green Course, Carlos, put it like this:

It’s such a good environment, Steve is so enthusiastic and patient that we are all relaxed and lose our shyness and inhibitions. It’s more than educational, it’s therapeutic. I’ve received a training in spontaneity and I love it!

Flexing creative muscles

As committing to regular participation on a course isn’t for everyone, every Sunday at Espacio en Blanco the MAD Improvisers offer their weekly MAD Improv Gym, an open drop-in session for anyone who wants to try their hand at improv. The Gym also attracts a group of regulars and is always followed by post-improv drinks. According to Steve:

Between 10 and 20 people come every week to our Gym. It’s always formed the foundation of our community. We love offering the sessions.

Steve has been a Madrid resident for 6 years and also runs courses in clown, physical theatre and scripted theatre. In fact, the MAD Improv community acts not only as a meeting point for anyone interested in improv in English, but also as a skills hub for the wider English-speaking arts community.

So, maybe 2020 is the year to find your own creative beat with some mad improv of your own.

MAD Improv

• Website, Facebook & IG: @mad_improv
• Show listings
• TripAdvisor