In this fruity festive issue from the archives, I reveal all about the history of the madroño or strawberry tree and explain why it's part of Madrid's iconography. I also delve into why Spanish people eat 12 grapes at New Year along with the bongs from the clock in Sol.

This is an archive episode from 2024. For an updated blog post based on the episode, visit the ⁠Making of Madrid⁠, there you can also subscribe to my newsletter and ⁠get a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook⁠.

To support the Making of Madrid, consider buying a copy of ⁠Quiet Madrid⁠, my guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places. Or you could buy one of my ⁠audio tours on Voicemap⁠.

In this festive episode of Making of Madrid, I take you through the magical experience of Christmas in the Spanish capital. From bustling holiday markets and dazzling illuminations to the rich traditions of El Gordo lottery and Three Kings Day, discover everything you need to know to enjoy the festive season in Madrid. Whether you’re planning a visit or just curious about how the city celebrates, tune in for a lively discussion packed with tips, fun facts, and holiday cheer.

This is an archive episode from 2024. For an updated blog post based on the episode, visit the Making of Madrid, there you can also subscribe to my newsletter and get a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook.

To support the Making of Madrid, consider buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, my guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places. Or you could buy one of my audio tours on Voicemap.

Madrid's plazas are being systematically stripped of trees. In this last episode of the first season of The Making of Madrid, musician and activist AmyJo Doherty (sister of Pete Doherty) shares the story behind the "No a la Tala" movement—a campaign fighting to preserve Madrid's green spaces against development projects that prioritize tourism and construction over the city's trees.

We discuss the metro expansion that destroyed trees in Arganzuela, the removal of shade from Plaza Santa Ana, the unscrupulous removal of a historic olive orchard for an upcoming Formula One circuit, and the ongoing battle at Matadero. Plus, how you can get involved in protests and support this cause.

Follow AmyJo's Work: @piglady72 (Instagram) AmyJo Doh (YouTube)

Get Involved in Madrid:#NoALaTala #VecinosContraLaTala #SOS Madrid #ElBarrioNoSeTala

Organizations: Ecologistas en Acción | El Barrio No Se Tala | Vecinos Contra La Tala

Watch: "No a la Tala"

Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook

https://shr.pn/tiNH

Support The Making of Madrid by buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, a guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places.  

https://shr.pn/R1bO

Or buy one of my Madrid audio tours from Voicemap: https://shr.pn/YjK5

Narratives surrounding Spain's Jewish converts to Christianity and their descendants (known collectively as conversos) understandably focus on the victimization of this community. Historian Kevin Ingram shifts the perspective a little by asking what role they played as innovators in modern Spain. In the latest episode of the podcast to coincide with the presentation of his book Converso Non-conformism in Early Modern Spain at Secret Kingdoms bookshop on November 21, we discuss their role in bringing change despite persecution to deeply Catholic Spain.

Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook

⁠https://shr.pn/tiNH⁠

Support The Making of Madrid by buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, a guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places.  

⁠https://shr.pn/R1bO⁠

Or buy one of my Madrid audio tours from Voicemap: ⁠https://shr.pn/YjK5⁠

Madrid is the only European capital founded by a Muslim ruler—a fact widely accepted in academic circles—yet traces of this Islamic heritage remain frustratingly hard to find. From poor signposting to restrictive opening hours, the city council seems to do little to highlight Madrid's true origins. 

In this two-part episode, released alongside my new Medieval Madrid Voicemap tour, I examine the archaeological evidence around the Royal Palace and La Latina to uncover why this significant history remains so hidden and set the record straight about the city's Islamic past.

Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook

⁠https://shr.pn/tiNH⁠

Support The Making of Madrid by buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, a guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places.  

⁠https://shr.pn/R1bO⁠

Or buy one of my Madrid audio tours from Voicemap: ⁠https://shr.pn/YjK5⁠ 

Madrid is the only European capital founded by a Muslim ruler—a fact widely accepted in academic circles—yet traces of this Islamic heritage remain frustratingly hard to find. From poor signposting to restrictive opening hours, the city council seems to do little to highlight Madrid's true origins. 

In this two-part episode, released alongside my new Medieval Madrid Voicemap tour, I examine the archaeological evidence around the Royal Palace and La Latina to uncover why this significant history remains so hidden and set the record straight about the city's Islamic past.

Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook

⁠https://shr.pn/tiNH⁠

Support The Making of Madrid by buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, a guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places.  

⁠https://shr.pn/R1bO⁠

Or buy one of my Madrid audio tours from Voicemap: ⁠https://shr.pn/YjK5⁠

David Price, owner of The Secret Kingdoms bookshop in Madrid takes us through some autumnal reads. He also discusses his personal essay about his love affair with Madrid that was published by Ybernia press in the recently released Stray Cats compilation as well as the Guide to Madrid’s Literary District, a book he and I launched last year.

Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook

⁠https://shr.pn/tiNH⁠

Support The Making of Madrid by buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, a guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places.  

⁠https://shr.pn/R1bO⁠

Or buy one of my Madrid audio tours from Voicemap: ⁠https://shr.pn/YjK5⁠

Overtourism has become an increasing problem in Madrid with rising accommodation costs, endless queues and growing resentment from locals making tourists think twice before booking a trip.

A trip to Kyoto this summer on assignment for Lonely Planet made me view the problem from a different angle as the Japanese city is dealing with similar issues. Is Madrid still worth visiting? Check out this latest episode to find out why I think it is and what you can do to avoid the crowds.

Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook

⁠https://shr.pn/tiNH⁠

Support The Making of Madrid by buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, a guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places.  

⁠https://shr.pn/R1bO⁠

Or buy one of my Madrid audio tours from Voicemap: ⁠https://shr.pn/YjK5⁠

Tucked away under the palace is this lush green oasis that not many people stumble upon because the access points are not that obvious. One of the destinations featured in my new book Quiet Madrid, this place is a world away from the Madrid most tourists encounter. For more, visit my blog.

Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook

⁠https://shr.pn/tiNH⁠

Support The Making of Madrid by buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, a guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places.  

⁠https://shr.pn/R1bO⁠

Or buy one of my Madrid audio tours from Voicemap: ⁠https://shr.pn/YjK5⁠

Usera is a foodie's heaven with Chinese, South American and Spanish options galore. Here I've listed all my favourite places to eat out. If you follow my advice, I guarantee you'll eat well and cheaply. For links to restaurants, check my website.

Visit my website and subscribe for a FREE copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook

⁠https://shr.pn/tiNH⁠

Support The Making of Madrid by buying a copy of Quiet Madrid, a guide to the city's tranquil spaces in hidden places.  

⁠https://shr.pn/R1bO⁠

Or buy one of my Madrid audio tours from Voicemap: ⁠https://shr.pn/YjK5⁠