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Mad Cool divides Madrid: Más Madrid calls for the licence to be halted over noise and mobility
The tug-of-war between leisure and rest is once again putting pressure on Madrid's summer. The possible authorisation of Mad Cool has reignited political and neighbourhood debate, with criticism over its impact on noise and mobility.
Más Madrid has lodged formal objections with the Ayuntamiento to halt the event’s licence. The group argues that the festival could exceed legal noise limits and affect thousands of residents both in the capital and in nearby municipalities such as Getafe.
One key point is the event’s own acoustic study, which acknowledges that ordinary levels will be exceeded and requests a municipal exemption. For the opposition, authorising the festival under these conditions would mean accepting breaches from the outset.
The mobility plan is also at the centre of the criticism. According to Más Madrid, the proposed measures repeat mistakes from previous editions: traffic jams, a lack of parking solutions and a model that prioritises VTC over taxis, causing congestion on access routes.
The municipal group is calling for more time to analyse the case file and review planning, safety and transport aspects. They warn that the decision will have a direct impact on night-time rest, mobility and the cost borne by the city.
The Ayuntamiento must now decide whether to grant the licence or introduce changes to the conditions. The decision will shape not only whether the festival goes ahead, but also the model of coexistence between large events and neighbourhood life.
Mad Cool has established itself as one of Madrid’s major cultural draws, attracting thousands of attendees and generating economic activity. But every edition reopens the same dilemma: how to balance cultural vitality with the right to rest in a city that continues to grow.