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Harry Potter takes over Madrid again with cinema, Hogwarts and 1,200 drones
Madrid is preparing for several weeks marked by Harry Potter. The 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone will bring the saga's first film back to numerous cinemas from this Friday, 28 August, while Gran Vía and the Hipódromo de la Zarzuela will add experiences that take the Hogwarts universe beyond the screen.
The re-release will make it possible to see the beginning of Harry, Ron and Hermione's story on the big screen again, accompanied by additional content created for the celebration. The international initiative runs from late August to early September, with different dates depending on each market and cinema.
In Madrid, the film is scheduled in a broad network of cinemas, including Cinesa, Yelmo, Verdi, Embajadores and mk2 venues. Cibeles de Cine will also offer a special screening on Saturday the 29th at 10 pm at Palacio de Cibeles, presented by two creators specialising in the world of the saga.
The celebration will continue in the heart of Gran Vía. Espacio Movistar, at number 28, will host a Back to Hogwarts experience from 28 August, with themed settings, photo spots and family activities. Entry is free, although booking a time slot in advance is required.
The date also has a special meaning among followers. Every 1 September, the Harry Potter universe recalls the students' return to Hogwarts, a tradition that for years has made the end of summer one of the fan community's meeting moments.
September will take the celebration even further. On the 16th and 18th, Hipódromo de la Zarzuela will host DroneArt Show: Harry Potter, a night-time show in which 1,200 drones will form characters and scenes inspired by the films in the sky, accompanied by music from the saga and luminous wristbands for the audience. Demand has also led to new sessions being added on 1, 2 and 3 October.
The anniversary also serves as a bridge between generations. Those who went to the cinema in 2001 can now return with children who have discovered Hogwarts through the books, films, video games or the forthcoming television adaptation, keeping alive a phenomenon that long ago stopped depending solely on releases.
For a few weeks, that nostalgia will have very specific addresses in Madrid: a cinema seat, a Gran Vía venue or a night spent looking at the sky from the Hipódromo. Twenty-five years after Harry first arrived at Hogwarts, the city once again finds reasons to cross the imaginary platform into the wizarding world.