Madrid’s annual celebration of global cultures, La Navideña, the Feria Internacional de Cultura, kicks off this week for a full 10-day programme that includes workshops, music, games, cinema, gastronomy and art.
Organised with the embassies, institutions and cultural institutes of 73 countries, the fair promises to provide a journey of discovery into the traditions and creativity of numerous places including Chile, Japan, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Korea, Ukraine and Cambodia.
Billed as Madrid’s biggest international Christmas market, it features a range of crafts, food, books and toys.
Music and dance performances will showcase myriad cultures, while workshops, storytelling and readings will introduce younger generations to the customs of a variety of countries (advance online booking for workshops and storytelling is necessary, see website below).
Play is the main focus for this year’s event, offering a fun and educational way for visitors of all ages to explore, imagine and discover.
Traditional Spanish games will be featured as well as some from others nations including Mahjong, cricket and Gaelic football.
A series of film screenings pays homage to the instinct to play, while three visual artists present three specially created projects on the subject.
When: 14-23 December; Mon-Fri 4pm-8.30pm, Sat, Sun 11am-8.30pm
Where: Matadero Madrid, Centro de Creación Contemporánea
More info: navidad.madrid.es