- Madrid’s iconic park becomes the capital’s cultural and leisure hub during the Book Fair, with book signings and events that bring the publishing world together with both locals and visitors.
- Mahou is supporting the arts by organising unique events throughout these two weeks in collaboration with partners such as VIPS and Iberia.
With the arrival of June, one of the most notable events of the year—and the one that draws the largest crowds—comes to Madrid: the Book Fair. The fine weather invites you to take to the streets and terraces, and the cultural calendar finds its undisputed epicentre in El Retiro Park. During these weeks, this historic spot is transformed into the perfect setting to lose yourself amongst the stalls, discover stories and enjoy the quintessential Madrid atmosphere – and these are the events you simply cannot miss.
A “Signature Afternoon” by VIPS in partnership with Mahou
On 4 June, a new meeting place will be launched, celebrating Madrid through conversation and culture. Under the umbrella of two iconic brands—each intrinsic to Madrid life—Mahou and VIPS are joining forces to create the ‘Tardeo de autor’, an initiative that forms part of the brand’s cultural programme and promotes gatherings and experiences centred on gastronomy.
The event will feature Manu García del Moral – author of the book “Los 20 Iconos de Madrid” and one of the voices that best captures the essence and hidden stories of the capital for a community of over half a million followers on social media – as presenter and discussion partner in a unique gathering alongside Jaime Rodríguez Pérez-Olleros.
A gathering to explore the places, customs and rituals that have made Madrid so much more than just a city. All this, accompanied by a glass of Mahou, as they discover how the city has shaped their literary perspectives.
Stroll through El Retiro and discover the city’s icons with the man behind Secretos de Madrid
A stroll through El Retiro is another unmissable activity this June in the capital; the Madrid park becomes the centre of attention during its annual Book Fair, and this year even more so, given that it has been chosen as one of the city’s 20 essential icons.
The book ‘The 20 Icons of Madrid’, written by Manu García del Moral and based on a survey of 800 people, including locals and visitors, designates one of the capital’s green lungs, located right in the heart of the city, as such. On 5 and 7 June, the author himself will be signing copies of this project: a sentimental map that deciphers and describes Madrid’s collective imagination through monuments, places and rituals inseparable from our social life, such as sharing a beer or a squid sandwich.
“The Book Booth”: culture and talent that transcend borders
Madrid’s literary journey during the two weeks of the Book Fair isn’t confined to the book stalls; it also connects with those who choose the city as a tourist destination. During the second week, Iberia and the Madrid Book Fair will bring “The Book Booth” to life in the “Talent on Board” space. This initiative by the airline aims to raise the profile of publishing projects and promote Latin American literature through conversations with authors and publishers working with the written word on both sides of the Atlantic. In this case, on 11 June, Manu García del Moral will also join in to promote the tourism section of the book ‘Los 20 Iconos de Madrid’ (The 20 Icons of Madrid), connecting with all visitors to the city by showing them how Madrid is celebrated and explored through the lens of an illustrated book, revealing the capital’s defining symbols: from the Puerta de Alcalá to a glass of Mahou.
Find out about all the book fair events
- Thursday 4 June, 7.30 pm: ‘Tardeo de autor’ event with Manu García del Moral and Jaime Rodríguez Pérez-Olleros at the VIPS Kiosk next to Puerta de Sainz de Baranda.
- Friday 5 June, 7.00 pm: Book signing of ‘The 20 Icons of Madrid’ at the Pino Signing Area at the Book Fair.
- Sunday 7 June, 12.00 pm: Second book signing session for ‘The 20 Icons of Madrid’ at the Madroño Signing Area at the Book Fair.
- Thursday 11 June, 11.00 am: ‘Author’s Booth’ experience at Iberia’s Talento a bordo area with Manu García del Moral.
Featured image: ©Sergio Martínez
Source: TRUE