The possibility of traveling without leaving the place is not a recent aspiration. Perhaps that is why, a few decades ago, initiatives such as the universal exhibitions triumphed or places like the Parque Europa in Torrejón de Ardoz emerged. It may be thought that it was under this same logic that Shima Spain Village was built in 1994, a theme park in the Japanese city of Shima that is a reduced and somewhat (rather) kitsch version of Spain.
The park, which looks like something out of a somewhat deranged movie set, reproduces everything from a Park Güell to a free version of Seville’s Plaza de España. There is also a revolving attraction starring giant tomatoes in honor of the Tomatina.
Madrid reinterpreted Japanese-style
As you might expect, Madrid also has its corner in this Hispanic collage reinterpreted from the other side of the world. One of the park’s central squares merges such recognizable elements as the Palace of Aranjuez and the clock facade of Puerta del Sol, placed facing each other as if they formed a tourist diptych.
In the center, a replica of the Cibeles fountain which, although it is intended to pay homage to the one in Madrid, inevitably reminds us of the one that can be seen in Mexico City. A few steps away, crossing a false arch of the Puerta del Sol, another Madrid postcard appears: a Plaza Mayor crowned by the inevitable equestrian statue of Philip III, which for years served as a makeshift cemetery for birds.
Tourist topics elevated to artistic category.
Nothing seems left to chance in this colorful homage to Spanish culture. Hórreos, roller coasters named after Montserrat or the Pyrenees, a 3D San Fermin running of the bulls…. The park is a concatenation of instantly recognizable icons, assembled with a certain creative ease.
In addition, there are live shows: from a recreation of the Fallas to parades that include characters dressed as Picasso or flamenco shows. According to ABC newspaper, the management company organizes auditions in cities such as Madrid and Barcelona to recruit artists to bring its shows to life.
In terms of gastronomy , the park is committed to a traditional atmosphere with bars that simulate traditional taverns -it would be both strange and authentic to have bars selling oxtail gyozas and cheeks baos. All this is framed under its own institutional definition: “an exotic atmosphere that evokes the charm of a Spanish city”. In all, the site occupies 34 hectares, has 28 attractions and 23 restaurants and cafeterias.
