by Maja Gojkovic

If your not lucky enough to be escaping elsewhere for the May puente, then there is plenty that you can be doing right here in Madrid. If you fancy doing something different and finding out a little bit more about dos de mayo the Madrid 2nd May 1808-2008 One people, One nation exhibition is a great place to start. The exhibition is a virtual journey that recreates, from the hand of writer, journalist and member of the Spanish Royal Academy Arturo Pérez-Reverte, a journey in time commemorating the bicentenary of the uprising of the people of Madrid against Napoleon’s troops in 1808.  With the helpful use of a virtual tour it helps in viewing the recreation of incidents that occurred in the streets of Madrid from the early hours of May 2nd, 1808 until early next morning.

Visitors will have access to the hall where original pieces and reproductions of different objects from the time are displayed, including objects such as utensils, weapons, engravings, uniforms and much more.  The exhibition is divided into seven areas which offer a chronological account of what happened during the 20 hours in which the uprising by the people of Madrid against the invasion of Napoleon’s troops took place, triggering the beginning of the Spanish War of Independence. The precedents are explained, as well as events that sparked off the uprising, the offensive carried out by the French army, the urban guerrilla which fought the invasion, the battle between both armies, the landscape after the battle and a final report of the consequences resulting from these events as well as the people who lost their lives in the uprising.  If going to museums is not one of your favorite pastimes, you may be about to change your mind. This exhibition is a great way to discover such an important part of Spanish history. The virtual journey makes the exhibition a fun and easy way of learning something new.  

If you’re interested in seeing this exhibition it will run from  26th April 2008 - 30th June 2008.Venue: Canal Art Centre Schedule:

From 10:00am to 9:00pm Price: EUR6.

For the under 12 years old and the over 65s EUR4.

Guided visits (big groups) from Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 3:00pm and also on Monday from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. EUR65 in Spanish and EUR150 in any other languages during working days, EUR118 in Spanish and EUR170 in any other languages during the weekend and holidays.

Bus: 5, 27, 42, 49, 66, 67, 70, 107, 124, 134, 135, 147, 149 Metro: Plaza de Castilla

by Maja Gojkovic

Keeping with the theme of things to do during the dos de mayo celebrations- European vibe are just full of ideas. On May 2nd 1808, the people of Madrid rose up in rebellion against the French occupation. Four important figures that witnessed these events from their particular perspective were; Francisco de Paula, King Fernando VII, the young Madrilenian seamstress Manuela Malasaña and artist Francisco de Goya. Their different accounts of this historic event are featured in a dramatised tour that takes you throughout the city as their story unfolds from beginning to end.

The tour is a great way to visually learn and understand exactly what happened and helped shape Spain’s history during the important era. The tour is a great idea if reading guide books or listening to audio tapes at museums bores you. If you have children your in luck as the live play atmosphere is a lot of fun and is definitely something to keep them quiet for a while.

The tour departs from Plaza Mayor, 27 (Centro de Turismo de Madrid) on 26th April, May 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th at 8pm; and May 2nd at 5pm. 

The tour costs 7,35 euros for adults with a reduced price of 6,35 for under 25s ,students, retired people and unemployed people

If you would like more information on the tour you can call information on: (+34) 91 588 29 06 / (+34) 91 588 16 36 or visit the website at: descubremadrid@munimadrid.es

By Khilen Mehta

European nights at Anfield are known for their passion, their energy and the vociferous nature of the fans. Last night was no exception. Under the presence of controversial owner Tom Hicks, the fans were loud and the team was superb. The club has been shrouded under dark clouds recently but deep into extra time, it seemed that all was well again in Liverpool’s world. The famous anthem reverberated around the ground and the fans thought they were about to witness another great Anfield european night.

They say you create your own luck in football. Yesterday Chelsea did nothing to back up this statement but still somehow came out of the game with one foot in the Champions League Final in Moscow. There were 94 mins played when this Champions League semi-final tie was turned on its head by John Arne Riise’s own goal. For all their shortcomings in the league, Liverpool showed just why they are so feared in Europe. Chelsea owed much to the class of their goalkeeper, Petr Cech, who reaffirmed his status as the best keeper in the world. Without him, this tie could easily have been out of reach but at the end of the night, Chelsea held the advantage.

For over an hour Liverpool continually piled forward and played Chelsea off the park. In midfield, Alonso and Mascherano were superb and upfront Dirk Kuyt was a constant menace. Kuyt has come in for a lot of stick but his run of scoring in every round of the Champions League continued last night as he gave Liverpool the lead before half time. In the second half, Liverpool upped the tempo and it looked like they could have scored two or three more but were thwarted every time by the ever impressive Petr Cech. Many of Chelsea´s players in contrast didn’t even look interested in comparison. Dider Drogba, for example, spent more of his time feigning injury than he did trying to get Chelsea back in the game.

But such is football. In recent seasons some will say that Liverpool will have had their fair share of luck in the competition, and last night they learnt that fate works both ways. It was a moment of madness from John Arne Riise. He has proven himself to be so one footed in recent seasons, that Liverpool fans had their hearts in their mouths when the ball came across the area. One moment of madness later, and Chelsea all off a sudden held the advantage.

Liverpool though will not be too worried. Although the records show that they are yet to score a goal at Stamford Bridge under Benitez, the Champions league brings out the best in Liverpool and they are yet to play there with Fernando Torres. Inspired by recent runs in the competition, the fans, players and even the manager are still visibly bullish.

Chelsea will be thinking they have one foot in the final. But Liverpool Football Club is built for occasions like this. Chelsea beware, come next wednesday, we will come out fighting.

by Maja Gojkovic

As Madrid prepares itself for the commemoration on May 2nd 1808, the city will be hosting an amazing cultural programme featuring exhibitions, publications and a spectacular street display in order to remember the day on which the people of Madrid rose up in rebellion against the Napoleonic troops, changing the history of Spain.  

One event that will definitely be on my list of things to see will be the street performances. The larger than life streets show 6 Goyas 6 that have been created by Pere Pinyol, with musical direction by Carles Santos and features special performances by La Fura dels Baus and Carles Padrissa. The show is based on works by Francisco de Goya, and portrays the most significant events of the uprising. Works by the artist will become alive in a historic interpretation incorporating dance, theatre, parades and music by prestigious creators and companies.

The street performances will take place over the Prado Museum, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Dos de Mayo, Plaza de Oriente and Cibeles.The shows will start on May 1st in the afternoon although the central part of the show will take place throughout the evening of May 2nd, with La Fura’s closure in Cibeles.  If you’re interested in checking out the street displays, they will be hosted on:1st May- Prado Museum at 18.002nd May- Puerta del Sol/Plaza Mayor at 18.00

2nd May-Plaza de dos de Mayo/Plaza de Oriente at 21.00

2nd May- Plaza de Cibeles at 21.30  This is promised to be an amazing event and well worth seeing, so if again you’re in Madrid during the ‘dos de mayo’ celebrations check this one out and the best part is its totally free.