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From Tapas we compiled the best plans with which to enjoy the most of the weekend in Madrid, and relegate ourselves to hedonism between cultural and gastronomic experiences, parties, events and museums. Take the agenda and take note of our proposal, that this week come more “cañí” than ever for the festivities of San Lorenzo and La Paloma.
FRIDAY 11
We start the most traditional weekend of the year with a gastro plan to match: visiting La Mamona Barra, a space with a beer bar as the protagonist in which the tradition of a good beer accompanied by a sophisticated menu is recovered. With a cuisine totally dedicated to the product, you can not miss the addictive red tuna gilda, Russian salad with olive tapenade or coca de pisto. A powerful weekend is coming and you have to recharge your batteries.
Where? At 41 Juan Bravo Street
And to continue getting in tune, we go closer to the epicenter of the festivities of San Lorenzo (Lavapiés) and La Paloma (La Latina), but we make a stop in the Barrio de las Letras. It couldn’t be anywhere else: Viva Madrid. The most unusual tavern in Madrid since 1856 welcomes us with cocktails and traditional cuisine. Although it is a Mexican cocktail, we suggest this fruity cocktail named after the virgin that gives its name to the most summery Madrid parties.
Where? At Manuel Fernández y González 7, 28014, Madrid.
To end Friday night, why not a summer movie session? Matadero Madrid’s central square becomes an open-air movie theater to screen great classics. The cycle ends on August 13, but you can still go this Friday, August 11 at 10 pm to enjoy the film The Happiest Man in the World. All the information here.
Where? At Plaza de Legazpi 8, 28045
SATURDAY 12
Although the protagonists of this weekend’s neighborhoods are mainly Lavapiés and La Latina, for Saturday morning we visited the district of Chamberí, where they have organized a series of events commemorating the centenary of the death of the Valencian painter Joaquín Sorolla. Reproductions of his most emblematic works can be seen on the facades of mythical buildings in the neighborhood as the Municipal Board of the District, Galileo Cultural Center, the municipal centers for the elderly Antonio Mingote and Santa Engracia, and in the church of Santa Teresa and Santa Isabel located in the glorieta Pintor Sorolla.
The entire tour can be done on foot in about an hour and a half. So put on comfortable shoes and walk around the neighborhood.
Where? In the Chamberí district
On Saturday afternoon we had a great time thanks to La Gildería, located on Calatrava street, the nerve center of the festivities of La Paloma. Although the place is on vacation, they are open for “the best parties in Madrid” and have prepared a great plan from August 11 to 15. In addition to enjoying their gildas, appetizers and vermouth, in La Gildería they have prepared different DJ sessions every night from 10 pm to 3 am. On Saturday and Sunday Pe-tardeo de la Serna will be playing, while on Monday the girls of ‘Tú y yo chelo’ will be playing, with hits from yesterday, today and tomorrow. We won’t miss it!
Where? At calle de Calatrava 17, 28005, Madrid
If you prefer a more relaxed Saturday night, we recommend you to enjoy the Perseids 2023. According to experts, the night of August 12 to 13 will be the best time to see more than 50 meteors per hour, the most intense and brightest star shower of the year. If you do not want to leave Madrid, you have many places in the capital to enjoy the show: from the Temple of Debod to the Cerro del Tío Pío -popularly known as the Park of the Seven Boobs-, through the Planetarium of Madrid, the Casa de Campo or any corner of the Sierra.
SUNDAY 13
On Sunday morning we also get cultural by going to the Espacio Cultural Serrería Belga, near Atocha, to visit the exhibition In your Face: Chicano Art after C.A.R.A and discover the enriching mestizaje of Chicano culture. The exhibition covers different disciplines: from sculpture to photography, prints, paintings and mixed media. It is free and the opening hours on Sundays are from 12 to 18h.
Where? At Calle de la Alameda 15, 28014, Madrid, Spain.
There is no Sunday without an aperitif and that’s why we go to the authentic Madrid temple to enjoy this custom so cañí: Hermanos Vinagre. In any of its three locations (on Gravina, Narváez or Cardenal Cisneros streets), you can’t miss a good caña or vermouth accompanied by its incredible smoked pickled mussels (all the preserves are made in-house), but also with its gildas, anchovies in vinegar, a portion of marinated and fried ear or Russian salad served in a matrioska.
Where? At calle Gravina 17 (Chueca), Narváez 58 (Retiro) and Cardenal Cisneros 26 (Chamberí).
We finish the weekend in style, in the middle of the festivities of La Paloma. Concerts in the Jardines de las Vistillas are usual. This Sunday at 11:30 p.m. one of the most popular groups in the city plays: La Pegatina, so we’ll be there!
MONDAY 14 & TUESDAY 15
The weekend is over, but not the party. The big days of La Paloma are here and the neighborhood of La Latina dresses up, more traditional than ever. Chotis and shawl contests, the Salve a la Virgen de la Paloma, pasodobles and lots of street music. Who doesn’t like to be in Madrid in mid-August?
You can also move the verbenas to the EDP Gran Vía theater to enjoy La verbena de la Paloma, one of the most famous and important zarzuelas de género chico. On Monday 14 the schedule is at 8:30 pm, while Monday 15 is at 7 pm. Prices from 20 €.
Where? At the EDP Gran Vía Theater, Calle Gran Vía 66, 28013, Madrid.