This week Madrid sweated through its fourth heat wave of the summer while commuters navigated a tangle of Metro closures, altered Cercanías routes, and a one-day Renfe strike. Culturally the city stayed loud, from a 68,000-strong Kanye West concert to the start of the San Cayetano festival and a free night at the Prado, with a rare total solar eclipse now on the horizon for August 12.
The Week's Biggest Stories
Fourth heat wave of the summer grips Madrid
Madrid endured its fourth heat wave of the season this week, with temperatures pushing past 38°C through August 2. Saharan dust, known locally as calima, added concerns about air quality on top of the extreme heat.
Metro closures hit multiple lines throughout August
Metro de Madrid is running a month of service disruptions in August, with Line 6 closed at Moncloa and Line 7 shut between Gregorio Marañón and Pitis. Commuters using those stretches should expect detours and longer journeys for the rest of the month.
Cercanías service altered on five lines until Aug 28
Renovation work at Atocha station is forcing changes to five Cercanías commuter rail lines from August 1 through August 28. Routes and frequencies will differ from normal service for most of the month.
Kanye West set to play a huge Madrid show
The artist now known as Ye performs in Madrid this Thursday in front of an expected crowd of around 68,000, including tens of thousands of visitors from abroad. City estimates put the concert's economic impact at close to €49 million.
San Cayetano festival returns to Madrid streets
The Fiestas de San Cayetano run from August 4 to 7, bringing concerts, family activities, and traditional processions to the city. The program includes a tribute to local figures and a performance from Soleá Morente.
Renfe workers' strike disrupted trains on July 31
A one-day strike by Renfe staff on July 31 cut services on several rail lines serving the region. Anyone travelling by train that day faced reduced timetables, and further action could bring similar disruption.
Prado Museum opened for a free night visit
On August 1 the Prado offered free entry from 20:30 to 23:30 as part of El Prado de Noche, paired with a special exhibition on Valeriano Bécquer. It gave visitors a rare chance to see the collection outside normal opening hours.
Spain prepares for its first total eclipse since 1905
On August 12, Spain will see a total solar eclipse for the first time in more than a century, with totality lasting up to 90 seconds starting at 20:32. Viewing events are being organized across the region.
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What's On in Madrid This Week
18:00 - 20:00 · Matadero, Madrid · Free
21:30 · Plaza General Vara del Rey · Free
Planetario de Madrid
19:00 · Iglesia de San Millán y de San Cayetano, Calle de Embajadores, 15
22:00 · Parque de Pradolongo, access from Calle de Primitiva Gañán
10:00 - 12:00 · Plaza de España, Robledo de Chavela · Free
11:00 - 14:00 · Church of the Assumption, Robledo de Chavela · Free
20:30 · Parque Enrique Herreros · Free
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