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Free things to do in Madrid after Holy Week: exhibitions, theatre and getaways near the city
Madrid gets back into its rhythm after Holy Week with a free programme that changes the week's plans. Exhibitions, theatre and nature getaways offer options for going out without spending, which is key at a time when many people are looking for affordable leisure without giving up quality.
One focal point is Casa de América, where the exhibition Todo empieza con ausencia opens on 17 April. Photojournalist Marian Carrasquero explores migration, identity and social justice through direct, contemporary images. The exhibition can be visited until 30 May, in the morning and afternoon.
At the weekend, el Matadero becomes a participatory space with ReBoxing Colectiva. Families and groups will be able to build structures from reused cardboard in 80-minute sessions. Places are free, but advance booking is required, making the activity one of the most sought-after plans.
There are also events reaching their final stretch. Fundación Juan March closes the exhibition A la manera del Bosco on 12 April; it connects 15th-century painting with contemporary art and artificial intelligence. It is one of the last opportunities to see it free of charge.
Humour and theatre are spread across different neighbourhoods. Villaverde and Arganzuela host the monologue Paloma Calle que se calle, while in Vicálvaro the puppet show VIDA offers a visual experience for all audiences, with no need for words.
For those who prefer to leave the city, the Cascadas del Purgatorio route in Rascafría is becoming one of the most sought-after plans after the holidays. Just over an hour from Madrid, it combines nature and a break from it all on an accessible route. It is a straightforward option for changing surroundings without major costs or planning.
In a context of rising prices and increasingly expensive leisure, this free agenda is gaining importance in Madrid's daily life. It allows residents and families to keep going out, discovering the city and enjoying its cultural offering without their budget being a limit.