Madrid is gearing up for an event that has already divided the city into two camps. From May 9 to June 7, the capital will host Madrilucía—a spectacular festival inspired by the famous Feria de Abril in Seville. Organizers promise true Andalusian flair: hundreds of pavilions, horses, traditional costumes, gourmet cuisine, and even dedicated zones for art and fashion. All this will unfold across a vast 200,000-square-meter venue, the usual site of MadCool, where up to 800,000 guests are expected.
However, behind the festive facade lies a host of controversial issues. The cost to rent a pavilion is staggering: the minimum price is 55,000 euros per week. Those wishing to feel extra special can opt for a VIP package at €1,999, which includes access to an exclusive area and a whole range of privileges. This approach has drawn sharp criticism from both the opposition and residents of nearby neighborhoods.
Money and priorities
City officials, headed by mayor José Luis Martínez Almeida, are betting on large-scale events, despite ongoing complaints from locals. Opposition representatives are openly annoyed, arguing that the city spends resources on entertainment while neglecting urgent problems. For example, residents of Villaverde have long been waiting for a new school to open, but instead, they are greeted with yet another noisy festival.
“The authorities have chosen flashy shows and private interests over the basic needs of residents,” say representatives of opposition parties. They point out that such projects are not only expensive, but also create additional problems for locals: transportation gridlock, lack of parking, noise, and litter. These issues are especially acute in neighborhoods near the festival site.
Cultural substitution
Critics of Madrilucía argue that the capital is losing its identity by copying foreign traditions. In their view, Madrid is a city with a rich history and its own unique celebrations, such as San Isidro, which this year coincides with the dates of the new fair. Instead of supporting distinctive cultural initiatives, the opposition claims that authorities are prioritizing “spectacle” and commercialism.
At the same time, Madrilucía’s organizers insist that their project offers a modern take on tradition, blending innovation, sustainability, and international scale. They promise the festival will become an annual event and eventually turn into the capital’s premier cultural occasion. However, many locals remain skeptical, recalling previous years when large festivals brought more inconvenience than joy.
Consequences for the city
While officials tout prospects for tourism and new jobs, residents of Villaverde and neighboring Getafe are bracing for an influx of visitors and traffic congestion. The Getafe council has already voiced strong opposition to holding Madrilucía, stating they weren’t even informed of Madrid’s plans. According to them, such events undermine peace and safety, as well as diminish the quality of life for local residents.
The opposition is demanding full transparency: copies of all permits, traffic management plans, and expenditure reports. There’s particular concern about a possible reduction in public transport service to benefit festival guests, which could negatively impact ordinary residents. Questions remain unanswered, and tensions between authorities and citizens are on the rise.
Historical context
Interestingly, the idea of holding the Feria de Abril in Madrid is not new. In the 1980s, the capital already hosted similar celebrations, when the streets filled with horses, carriages, and festively dressed locals. Back then, it was seen as a gesture of friendship between regions. Today, however, the scale and commercialization evoke very different reactions—from irritation to open protest.
As some look forward to the colorful spectacle, others worry that behind the festive façade lie business interests and political ambitions. Once again, Madrid finds itself at a crossroads between tradition and modernity, between the noise of parties and the right to a quiet life.
