6th Edition of Dragones de Robledo, Arts and Heritage Festival 2024

In its 6th edition, "Dragons of Robledo, Arts and Heritage Festival" returns to Robledo de Chavela with a unique program of cultural activities that highlights and promotes the municipality's rich heritage, artistic, and environmental heritage . The Festival establishes itself as a solid and innovative cultural initiative in the rural setting of the Sierra Oeste de Madrid. The artistic direction is led by cultural manager Rocío Royo (Espacio C).

The Church of the Assumption of Our Lady , Distinguished as a Site of Cultural Interest in 2021, it becomes the epicenter of activities. Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, it is a clear example of a fortress-church of the period, and is today the greatest heritage treasure of Robledo de Chavela and one of the most impressive examples of Spanish Gothic architecture in the Community of Madrid. The imposing and unique medieval paintings of 76 dragons that decorate its vault, discovered during the remodeling in 2010 and opened to the public in 2013, are the common thread of the Festival.

As in previous editions, concerts will be one of the Festival's main attractions. The program for this sixth edition includes three outstanding performances, one each day.

On Friday the 2nd, at the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady, pianist Moisés P. Sánchez, recognized as one of the leading figures in the Spanish and European music scene, will present "Soliloquio ," a recital without a pre-established program in which the creative freedom and talent of the virtuoso pianist from Madrid predominate. He will surely take us soaring alongside the Dragons of the Vault.

Renowned viola da gamba player Fahmi Alqhai and his group Accademia del Piacere will present "Dialogues of Old and New Sounds" with singer Alba Carmona on Saturday the 3rd in Plaza de España . This concert explores the evolution of flamenco and its interaction with other musical traditions. It fuses contemporary flamenco songs with their historical origins, highlighting the convergence of popular and classical music in Baroque Spain. The album of the same name won the Giraldillo Award for Innovation at the Seville Flamenco Biennial.

On Sunday the 3rd, we'll return to the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady , this time for an open-air concert in front of its beautiful façade and gate. Experimental violinist and composer Blanca Altable will present "Las formas del agua ," her latest album and semi-finalist at the 2024 MIN Awards in the "Best Roots Music Album" category. Influenced by popular music, electroacoustics, and minimalism, Blanca will take us on a journey through various forms of water, exploring everything from the waters of motherhood to water itself as a muse.

Workshops for children and adults also constitute a significant part of the Festival's program. One of these is the Introductory Workshop to Phonography and Experimental Soundscape Creation "The Sound of the Dragon," taught by Ángel Galán, where participants will learn to capture natural and everyday sounds to create a soundscape that documents and evokes the emotions and atmosphere of Robledo. Also returning will be the Bobbin Lace for Beginners workshop , taught by the Robledo de Chavela Lace Makers , followed by a meeting with the bobbin lace makers to enjoy this traditional craft technique.

For the little ones, the Creative Sensory Children's Workshop "Let's Fly" is offered , taught by Bea Pérez of Creando Rutas. This is a fun adventure where, through stories, group games, and artistic creativity, children ages 1 to 4 will explore and spark their imaginations. For those over 5, Art Stories has prepared the Children's Painting Workshop "Fresco Dragons ," an introduction to the techniques of fresco mural painting and egg tempera.

Another activity is the presentation of the book " Macabra Children's Songs" by Juana Rodríguez, who will join Marta Moral and Javier Fernández to discuss the hidden and dark meanings of the children's songs we all know. There will also be a reflection on the impact of oral tradition on society, with special attention to gender. This activity will also pay tribute to the unique Robledo writer Antoniorrobles , renowned for his humorous narratives and his works aimed at children, which have left a notable influence on Spanish children's literature.

This year, the Festival is bringing back the Quick Painting Competition , the rules and prizes for which can be found on the Official Website of the Robledo de Chavela Town Council.

Throughout the weekend, you can also explore the history of the Robledo Dragons through guided tours of the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady . All activities are free, and workshops require a reservation by emailing info@losdragonesderobledo.es .