by Isaure Cointreau

For the fiftieth anniversary the bi-annual Cibeles Fashion week will stage once again Spain’s greatest designers. Between the 18th and the 22nd the show will be on at the Feria de Madrid while a special edition of the show will be presented to mark the 25th year of the event.

The IFEMA will be showing off some new features launching and promoting Spanish Fashion as a whole. While announcing the return of Adolfo Dominguez and Roberto Verino on the Madrid catwalk, could there be more? The Cibeles stage will be awaiting the work of fifty six designers, and to that number we would have to add another thirty five who will present their collection in the EL EGO showroom featuring direct sales to the public.

However on the 21st the Feria will pay a huge tribute to a great Spanish fashion master Elio Berhanyer, who just celebrated his eightieth birthday this year. This September edition will also fire the most outstanding Spanish models such as Tammy, Natalia lopez, Esmeralda Martin and Irene Jimenez.

An event to look forward to.

by Isaure Cointreau

From now on until the 30th of October the Casa Asia of Madrid has inaugurated a fabulous exhibition portraying China from its early communist years until now. Through a brilliant selection of photos and documentaries China will have no secrets for you.

The history of this country is one that the world has forgotten to acknowledge stopping at the red flag and leaving a shadow behind it. However the Casa Asia sheds some light upon the subject throughout a short but very well laid out exhibit.

All that is presented can be seen as a real archive or document that retraces what has happened, what was there and who were these people who fought for an ideal, linking the past to the present. It is about the story of a country and the people behind it, who have now become authentic symbols of history. Although it is a long tryptique, I would recommend any visitor to sit in the leather couches and watch the documentary that is showing.

The pictures have been collected during four years of research by the curator Liu Heungshing. The aim of the exhibition is therefore to document through shots, either of private or public life, the grand political moments of China from 1949 to 2008.

by Isaure Cointreau

At the center for contemporanean art, the last play of F. Garcia Lorca will be performed with two leading ladies of the Spanish theatre. The Matadero center will be enjoying the performance of Nuria Espert and Rosa Maria Sarda in “La casa de Bernarda Alba”.

They will star in this famous theatrical tragedy about the mourning of a husband. Bernarda Alba is the main character and as she suffers being a widow she demands that her daughters do not leave the house to pay homage to their long gone father.

Lorca had written this rural drama in 1936 wishing to denounce the Spanish traditionalist society. Therefore the story is set in Andalusia. Bernarda is tyrannical imposing eight years of sequestration upon her five daughters and two servants. All women in the cast, none of them hardly knew any man. Angustia is the only one who got engaged before this tragic fate, but Adela the youngest secretly meets the fiancé. This little twist is what leads the story.

What is this really about? To be sure it has a hidden purpose in the lines written by the famous playwright and poet, aiming for a severe criticism of moral and religious prejudices.

Therefore from the 10th of September until the 25th of October you will be able to meet with the finesse of Lorca and the wonderful act of N. Espert and R. M. Sarda. Enjoy!

by Isaure Cointreau

La Noche en Blanco’s fourth edition is a night everyone can be looking forward to. From 9 O’clock PM to the very early hour of 7 AM Madrid will be filled with music, theatre representations and art exhibits. On one night the day will see no end giving you no reason whatsoever to go to sleep.

This concept of gathering people around the arts through different genres of activities and entertainment is spreading throughout Europe as the white night has been adopted in several capital cities such as Paris, Rome, Brussels, Riga and Bucharest.

As a public and completely free of charge Festival, one can expect Madrid to steel New York’s appellation for a night as in the “city that never sleeps”. Around a million and a half are expected to walk down the capital’s street so prepare yourself to have a good time on the town.

There will be 295 performing artists participating at 172 different activities following one central theme of “the gift”. The center will be overthrowned by the festival’s lights and leisure around locations such as Tirso de Molina, Plaza de Chamberi and el Rio Manzanares . However one has to be aware of the fact that the activities have been divided into four zones. Center, North, South and College perimeter are where they are spread out so check out the shows that will take over you neighborhood.

On the 19th of September prepare yourself for a night trip you will never forget. Sharing Art and contempory performances with Madrilenians, what else?

by Isaure Cointreau

Watch out, this show could slip through your hands without you noticing it, though what a shame it would be! The illustrious Bolshoi Ballet will be in the capital of Spain for six night performances at the Teatro Real. One can be sure that it will be an incredible experience.

The fact that it is the Bolshoi Ballet performing from the 5th until the 10th of September makes a big difference. Not only does the name refer to a historical muscovite theatre, it is also a reference to the oldest and greatest ballet and opera companies of the world. Therefore, as the chosen piece for the opening season Spartacus will be playing in Madrid.

This Ballet was launched in Moscow in 1968 and forty years later it has its place among the classic and most vibrant pieces of the Russian masterpieces known worldwide. While Yuri Barlaka pulls the strings of the show, the Teatro Real’s stage will set us in ancient Rome where Spartacus leads all the slaves of the Roman Empire into rebellion. Grigorovich’s choreography is known for its extraordinary dynamism and with moments such as the “pas de deux” of Frigia and Espartaco, one can expect to be swept away.

This is one of September’s hot shows and one not to miss. Indulge yourself with Spartacus’s beauty and ideaology, the Russian company’s grace and thrilling rhythm will set you free.

by Isaure Cointreau

A little science if you please?
Celebrating the scientist’s bicentenary, as well as the 150th anniversary of the publication of the once most outraging book ‘The origin of species’, the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales is having from now on until next January an exhibition on the work of Charles Darwin.

Shedding some light upon the life on earth and therefore reestablishing truth upon our knowledge of nature, genetics and human history, Darwin published a theory he knew would feel as a revolutionary earthquake. As Copernico discovered earth was not the center of the universe, Darwin discovered that we were all animals and every living thing was once somewhat related. Adam and Eve were there dethroned from their explanatory position upon the subject of the human race, and genetics made their way.

Today we all know that our cousins are monkeys and that worldwide we are one big family, however lets not forget that the one responsible for this understanding is Mr Darwin himself. Another fact that he had proven during his career was that of the natural selection. Only the strongest would survive.

The exhition illustrates the life of this geologist, naturalist, and thinker of the 19th century, throughout which we can find parallels to other scientists. Therefore the exhibit is organized into four main sections as in the historical scientific context, Darwin’s precursors, Darwin’s history and discoveries, and Darwinism in Spain. A rich program for a well displayed show of explanations upon the evolution of nature and life on Earth.
This is one not to miss.

by Isaure Cointreau

When all Spaniards return from their vacation, Madrid will be having the first retrospective on Henri Fantin Latour to be had on the Iberian soil. Coming from French, English or Italian museums and galeries, the Thyssen-Bornemisza will gather 70 pieces of the illustrious French painter’s work.

In 1863 he was part of the group who initiated Impressionism although he was far more inspired by Realism than by the search for light and the study of movement. His friends were no less than Manet and Whistler however he remained difficult to classify. On the other hand, poet Gustave Kahn defined him as the link between the painters of his time and Romanticism, and he might have been just right.

What is the exhibit about? It is about a painter whose artistic talents were neglected in his home country as he didn’t apply to the modern rules. However much more appreciated in England, as his style would recall a Courbet or again Millet influence, his portraits and still lives gained a wide popularity. The exhibition is to set things right, as to honor the masterpieces and the talent of a forgotten artist.

Madrilenians will have the pleasure and delight of having this exhibit from the 28th September until the 10th of January of the following year.

by Isaure Cointreau

It is five o’clock and we are inside the Teatro Real waiting for the last minute tickets to be sold. People are all anxious to see if they will or not be having a seat for tonight’s show, sitting in the hallway for the ticket office to open. At ten past five the fist couple to be served appears a grin on their face and say:” there is only one ticket left” while taking their leave. All the rest of us stay motionless and hope for the best. The file continues to move and it seems that our fear was just a joke. Let they be damned!

When our turn arrives, the cashier attends to our demand. We want the best for the best price. What is there left? She simply answers, pointing at a map of the theatre our seats: first row, first flour. My friend and I can’t believe it and we gaze at each other performing a kangaroo dance while smiling hysterically. For eight euros (instead of ninety-eight) we will be watching Mozart’s masterpiece, the marriage of Figaro.
After a little run in order to exchange shorts with dresses, trainers with pumps, we were off to La Latina.

Looking for a little piece of quiet in the city, the main idea was to go Plaza Paja. However on the way over there, out of the blue came what we were looking for. Walking down the C/ de la Pasa, a beautiful little plaza came just on to our left. Silence, shade and a café were happily presenting us to a table. Children running around and the wind blowing in the trees’s branches, what a wonder!

Although we would have stayed longer, after a short coffee break in order to refuel as to attend the four hour performance, we were off to the Opera House. The show started at seven O’clock sharp and a few minutes before that we were kindly conducted to our seats. If only our neighbors had known how we got those tickets, they would have screamed for scandal. We just felt very lucky.
This Opera was based on Beaumarchais’s work that goes by the same name. W.A. Mozart had written it for the Austrian court and although the Emperor yawned throughout the first performance in 1786, it is nowadays part of the timeless classic masterpieces.

This is a wonderfully entertaining opera-buffa, as in being of a comical character and sung from the beginning until the end. The ouverture is very famous for its presto (rapid rhythm) and any one would recognize it instantly. However, the magnificent performance of the orchestra is a wonderful introduction to the show and sets you on the right tempo to enjoy what goes behind the curtain. While the blinds are lifted up from the stage, Figaro and his betrothed, Susanna, are the first protagonists to meet with the audience. Through magnificent vocalisms they sing their happiness upon the upcoming wedding and their future projects. However, while he his counting inches as to calculate where to put the nuptial bed, Susanna on her part doesn’t want to live in this room as it is too close to the master’s quarters, afraid she would have to bear his frivolous virtue.

The production was fantastic from the beginning until the end. Not one minute had I thought I would be better off elsewhere. I was like a sponge trying to remember every detail, sound, image and rhythm. However, adding to this I can promise you laughter is also part of the emotions the show will inspire you.
A few things stoke me as extraordinary modern, witty and delightful. While the vocals were going on, some of the themes or topics would be winked at by the production. When Figaro cried his love he suspected of being unfaithful, he blamed all women: “Look at them, women, who torture our hearts…” the lights inside the Opera were then turned on, inviting the audience to look at women in the public. Another time during the garden rendez-vous between the count and the countess in disguise, a delicate flower perfume was to be sent in the whole theatre, and the spectator would once more feel as if being part of the show.

The sets were beautifully made and various. I would have gladly stopped time and try to depict it with some aquarelle paint. The décor were all put together as to help the public imagine and feel closer to the story, and in that purpose details were not neglected. Gardens, palace rooms and chambers, everything was superb, as if they were all composed as a painting by Francois Boucher. However, though I don’t despise minimalism at all it is sometimes nicer to see a good set on stage.

My only regret that night was that apart from witnessing the splendor of Mozart’s gift for music and the talent of those performing before me, it would only last the time of the show, and when the lights would fire up again it would all be part of the past, as if it where only a dream. Though what a wonderful dream it was.

by Isaure Cointreau

Semana Santa is a week where Christians commemorate the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. As for being very important days in the Spanish culture with these amazing street processions, it is also a holiday. With a week on their hands without having to go to Uni., what would international students do with their free time? Travel would be a good guess. Therefore with a quick look on the Ryanair website, the tickets were booked in a second for a fair price.

We were three girls, two French and one American, all with one same envy as to relax and discover the secrets of the Baleares. Staying at the Hostel Mimosa in Illetas, we were a 40 mn bus drive from the center of Palma and it was fantastic. Illetas is like a little village of its own on the shore, and has magical little beaches that will make anybody staying in the center of the city mad jealous. Therefore the weekend was about settling in, visiting the city and enjoying the sun by the sea.

The capital of the Island although it is a very touristy destination and an Ibiza kind of look in the summer, it had nothing to do with it as the off-season makes it a wonderful place to be. Culturally there are many things to see. The Cathedral of La Seu is one not to miss as it is as imposing as it is charming, with its incredible gardens and architecture. However to all Mallorcan visitors I would suggest to flee the city as there is so much more.

The Soller Harbor is one of the hotspots, and the transportation that will accommodate you is quite an experience. The little train station Plaza de Espana in Palma will bring you throughout a picturesque drive in a 1900 train to the little town. When arriving at destination, have a litlle walk throughout the village, and a taste of the many typical pastries. Then a tram will be of service to bring you to the port. It is a sight to be seen as you wonder around the streets of the village. My memories are filled with bright colors, sunshine, incredible views of the blue horizon and the perfume of oranges.

To be sure there are many stops one would like to have a go to in this paradisiacal island, though as short trips don’t always allow to do so, priorities are a must. Therefore our second destination was Valdemossa. After a short bus drive throughout the hills and mountains of the inner-grounds of Mallorca we arrived in a very French looking and charming village. Greens are all over the place and as it was then raining, it gave a very intense country side look, through even more enchanting. It is the sort of place you can imagine nature as being a whole and alive creature, filled with beauty, mystery and peace. Others before me had had this impression, and as their illustrious names are engraved to the pace and ambiance of the place, it gains in appeal. Chopin and Georges Sand, Ruben Dario, Jorge Luis Borges, and believe it or not Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones, were fascinated by it and lived there for a while.

Pollenca was our last stop and our motivation was set to go to highest Northern part of the Island. Less typical or less charming the town is more of a resort than anything else. Though being divided in two different entities one can share separate enjoyments. With the old town on the one side which offers great sights and cute little old streets to wonder in, and the modern side as in the harbor, it’ll depend what you are looking for. After enjoying the more cultural and picturesque part of the city, I suggest you ask someone a ride to get to the sea because it is a long walk ahead. When getting there, the next best thing to do is have coffee and dessert in a little café that is set on the water and enjoy for one the view and a good book. Though if the weather permits it you might want to enjoy the sea delights or try kite-surfing as it is really popular there.

How about Semana Santa? It wasn’t Seville’s breathtaking processions though it was nevertheless very impressive. Abby was at first put off by the K.K.K robes and masks though knowing it had nothing to do with that she then enjoyed the ceremony as much as we did. The people that march in the streets in these long costumes are all volunteers making amends for their past sins and showing their devotion to their religion. This marvelous act of faith makes one wonder, Christian or not. Carrying carts filled with candles and showing off either the Virgin Marie or the pain of Christ, the ceremony was very touching. Children accompany them on their route watching out for the wax falling of the candles and giving out candy to other kids watching the assembly. This detail made me smile as it gave to the whole parade a less grave tone, adding a warm and friendly touch to it.

After this we went back to Illetas to enjoy our night at the cocktail bar, talking to the cook of the hostel and having a taste of his fancy salmon. I’ll come back that’s for sure. Mallorca would be a wonderful island to live on, though I would exclude tourist season in it. Speaking with the locals it apparently destroys the charms and looks of the summer holidays and throughout the years of the capital city. However, what a sight to seen! There are so many places to go to, things to see and views to be had from one end of the island to another. “Enchanting” this would be my word to define it.

by Isaure Cointreau

The 13th of May the San Miguel market reopened its doors to the public. After years of refurbishing it has become a gourmet center where gastronomy it top notch. What a fantastic place, it was worth the wait. Not only is it a market but it combines as well the function of a bar and tavern, though all in style.

The Iron architecture of the place make you think of Charlie Chaplin and its Modern Times, however through this wink to an industrial era it apparently was designed as inspired by Les Halles de Paris. Although it relates to the French 1900 market’s style it was revisited as to suit the southern culture and rhythm.

The ceramics that can be found all around the ceiling recall the precious Sevillan azulejos and the variety of products on offer present only the best of Spain. Because the Calor is part of the culture, the fans and water sprays have not been forgotten and that for the very pleasure of its customers. The composition of the building has been well thought through as to prevent from the heat to invade the market, that’ll explain the wide glass composition. Although it does underline the apparent refurbishing of the place the crystalline walls actually add to its charms a little modernity. Therefore like an oasis in the Madrilenian summer everything has been put together to prevent you from melting while shopping or enjoying your wine and tapas.

Have your pick there is everything one would wish for such as oysters, fish, sweets, bread and wine. Everything looks delicious and ready to go. It however has nothing to do with your local Dia as your wallet would say, though you’ll find there wonders. Bringing to you the sea side gustative pleasures and as many kinds of Vermouth you would ever dream of, let’s say it is a little piece of paradise for any mouth to fill. As much variety of cheese a British could ever dream of, as many fantastic breads and pastries that would make any Frenchmen jealous, everything is brought to you on a silver platter.

A few days ago I wanted to try it myself with a group of friends. The center of the market has been arranged as a sitting area, with tables and tall stools, where people can enjoy their drink until midnight. Having a seat we were amazed how the place had chic written all over it. Every architectural and design detail is a pleasure to the eye, and the people all well dressed with poise and smiles give to the market a very soothing ambiance. However be prepared to sip slowly your wine as it can get pricy.

At midnight a bell will ring and a voice will notify you of the closing doors, though no one will actually push you out right away. Hanging out a little longer, we witnessed the cleaning up and the closing of the little stands. At some point, the venders and the waiters were moving from one shop to the other as if bearing gifts. They in fact had put away on a tray some leftovers and were sharing them with the others.

While we were about to leave, the bakery had put a selection of croissants and brioches on the winery stand. Our eyes saw them gleaming in the light and while people were hanging out with the shopkeeper, we stopped by. Chatting a little bit with the group, we found out that they were all good friends and that the exchange of Oysters, sweets and pastries happened often has it would otherwise be wasted, thrown in the trash. Wouldn’t it be terrible to see such delicious things not appreciated by anyone? Seeing that our stomachs were speaking for themselves through our passive leering at the tray, they offered us to take whatever we wanted. Grateful and thrilled to see our wish fulfilled, we left only a half hour later. We were the last customers and even the doors didn’t want to let us out, was that a sign? However we left then and plan to come back pretty soon.