Madrid moves from heat wave discomfort into eclipse anticipation this week, with a rare total solar eclipse due to sweep over Somosierra on August 12 drawing most of the excitement. Between a sold out Kanye West show, the start of San Cayetano's street parties in Lavapiés, and a run of August transport closures, residents have plenty to plan around.
The Week's Biggest Stories
Rare total solar eclipse hits Somosierra August 12
A total solar eclipse will be visible from Somosierra next week, the first of its kind seen in the region in more than a century and lasting about 90 seconds. Local planetariums and viewpoints such as La Gavia are already organizing viewing events, and eye doctors are reminding people that looking directly at the sun without certified eclipse glasses can cause permanent eye damage.
Kanye West concert draws 68,000 fans to Madrid
Kanye West, performing as Ye, plays Madrid this Thursday to a crowd of around 68,000, including an estimated 41,000 visitors from abroad. Organizers expect the show to generate close to 49 million euros for the city, adding to an already packed summer of major concerts.
Fourth heat wave of the summer pushes past 38 degrees
Madrid is in the middle of its fourth heat wave of the summer, with temperatures above 38 degrees Celsius through the start of August. Officials have also flagged reduced air quality from Saharan dust, known locally as calima, during the same period.
August brings metro, train and tunnel closures across Madrid
Metro de Madrid is closing sections of several lines this month, including Line 6 at Moncloa and part of Line 7, while five Cercanías routes are running altered schedules through August 28 because of work at Atocha station. The M-30 tunnel toward the A-5 is also shut from August 3 to 24, so commuters relying on any of these routes should expect longer or different journeys.
San Cayetano festivities open in Lavapiés through August 7
The San Cayetano neighborhood festival started August 4 in Lavapiés and runs through August 7, with free lemonade, live music and traditional performances filling the streets. It is the first of several summer neighborhood festivities kicking off across the city over the coming weeks.
Formula 1 to return to Madrid after 45 years
Madrid will host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in September for the first time in 45 years, with races scheduled for September 11 to 13 at the new Madring Circuit. It marks a major addition to the city's calendar of large international events.
June marked a record month for Madrid tourism
International visitor numbers in June were 13.9 percent higher than the same month last year, making it a record month for the city. City officials point to a run of major concerts and other high profile events, including the Pope's visit, as key drivers of the increase.
Free concerts announced for San Sebastián de los Reyes festivities
The San Sebastián de los Reyes festivities, running August 24 to 31, will include a lineup of free concerts featuring artists such as Malú and Celtas Cortos. All performances are open to the public at no cost.
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What's On in Madrid This Week
18:00 - 20:00 · Matadero, Madrid · Free
13:00; 18:00 · Planetario de Madrid, Parque Enrique Tierno Galván
21:30 · Plaza General Vara del Rey · Free
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
These are 5 picks from the 60+ events we are tracking in Madrid this week, and new ones are added every day. Pro members get the full calendar in our app; the free daily email flags the highlights.
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