The new Gran Vía is all lit up and officially open

If there is anything to remember the month of November 2018 by, it’s the inauguration of the new Gran Vía. After several months under renovation, Madrid’s vibrant high street was finally reopened on Friday 23 November by the Mayoress Manuela Carmena,  with improvements including more room for pedestrians.

Manuela Carmena, along with city councillors from the main political parties on the council and actors from the musicals performed on Gran Vía – which now also includes The Young Frankenstein – were all present for the much-awaited grand reopening of this major artery in the city.

The results include broader pavements, more room for pedestrians, water fountains, benches, trees and small gardens. The aim is to make the city friendlier, healthier, cleaner and more human.

A combination of the old and the new, including old-fashioned traffic lights made especially for this boulevard, some of which have special decorative features.

The grand opening came at the same time as the Christmas illuminations. The festive lights were designed by the City Council with a special reference to Madrid: a cat trying to play with the baubles.

Sol, Preciados, El Carmen… All of the streets in the city are all spruced up and ready for the Christmas shopping sprees, welcoming visitors with the magic of their lights. Incidentally, tickets for the Naviluz Christmas bus have sold out faster than ever.

But this year, something has changed. People who used to avoid the crowded city centre can rest assured that they can now take a leisurely stroll along Gran Vía without feeling claustrophobic.

Categories: Madrid Ocio