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 History of the Relationship
Current Initiatives
Past Activities
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Madrid is the capital and the largest city in Spain, and is located in the country’s geographic center known as "the heart of Spain". The city is 234 square miles with nearly 3 million residents - a number that has increased dramatically during the 20th century.
In contrast to many other European cities, Madrid is relatively homogenous in its population. The majority of residents are Roman Catholic and speak a modified dialect of Castillian, or Spanish. During Franco’s fascist rule from 1939 until his death in 1975, the Catholic Church was the only legal religion allowed in Spain. However, in recent years, diversity has increased and is evident in increasing immigration and a growing number of practiced religions.
Madrid is known for its dynamic nightlife and shopping, but there are many museums in the city as well. The most well-known is the Prado Museum, housing works by Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, including his famous "Guernica," depicting an image from the Spanish Civil War.
There are several large parks within Madrid, including Retiro Park, Madrid’s equivalent to New York City’s Central Park.
source: Microsoft Encarta Online
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Holy Week (Santa Semana) Procession. In all four corners of Spain, covering the length and breadth of the country, there are thousands of processions, some of international repute, others strictly local. The different stages of the Passion of Jesus are represented in many different places in Spain. They may take place in enclosed spaces, cordoned-off streets, inside a church, on a theatre stage or as part of a travelling theatre-shop. Although repeatedly banned throughout history --the strongest blow being dealt perhaps by Charles III with the 1777 Royal Decree-- some of the many acts of penitence and self-abasement held in the Middle Ages still exist today in various forms.
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Parque del Retiro was built in the 17th century under Felipe IV as a park for the royal family, and occupies 350 acres.
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Madrid is famous for its exciting nightlife, which is reputed to be one of the most vibrant in the world.
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