Last weekend marked the start of Shakira’s residency in Madrid, which, from the very beginning, was intended to be much more than a series of concerts. This is no hyperbole; the “Shakira Stadium, ” with a capacity of about 50,000 spectators, is just one section of Macondo Park, a full-fledged theme park built for the occasion at the Iberdrola Music venue in Villaverde Alto.
In a press release, Live Nation, the promoter of Shakira’s residency, described the venue as“a parallel city within Madrid where music, art, and community will come together for three historic nights”(with special guests) on each of the four concert weekends, through Sunday, October 11.
In addition to spaces dedicated to music or Shakira’s world, such as El Museo, Macondo Park offers a journey through other facets of Latin culture (fashion, literature, film…) in an experience the Colombian artist has dubbed “Es Latina.”
El Mercado, one of the venue’s eight pavilions, is dedicated specifically to Latin American cuisine. The culinary experience is curated by Rafa Zafra, chef at the Estimar restaurant, who has also brought “other internationally renowned chefs” on board for the project, according to Live Nation.
A journey through the flavors of Latin America
Attendees at Shakira’s concerts will be able to enjoy a selection of Spanish and Latin American dishes at Macondo Park, prepared by various restaurant brands. Latin American cuisine takes center stage at El Mercado, where visitors can sample dishes with Colombian, Mexican, Argentine, Uruguayan, or Ecuadorian influences, among others.
Representing Colombian cuisine in the project are Tequendama Grill and El Pueblo (which specializes in stuffed arepas). Also participating are the restaurants Las Diez Milanesas; Chifa, which fuses Peruvian and Chinese cuisines; and La Fontana Gastro, which combines Ecuadorian recipes—such as empanadas—with Mediterranean flavors.
Mexican street food is also featured in Macondo Park’s food court; La Taquilla Street Food and Voraz serve burritos, nachos, and tacos, while Tacoctelería also offers signature cocktails. El Chivito Uruguayo’s menu focuses on grilled meats, and the Argentina Food Truck serves empanadas, alfajores, and hamburgers.
As for burgers, the Goiko chain also has a food truck in Macondo Park’s dining area. The venue features many other stands where various businesses—such as Coren Grill, Los Parrilleros, and Smokie Madriz—offer burgers, hot dogs, and smoked or grilled meats, depending on their respective specialties.
The food offerings also include Spanish omelet, provided by La Martinuca, and other takeout options: sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, artisanal ice cream, pastries, specialty coffees…
There are also alternatives to fast food (such as Purakaí and Mahalo Poké) and options for people with food intolerances; one of the two food trucks from P.A.N. Polar will offer only gluten-free food, and the Pizza Natura chain, which serves gluten-free pizzas, will also be present.
Drink prices at Macondo Park
In the food court area of Macondo Park, food and drinks are purchased at different counters with separate lines. Long tables are set up in the area so that attendees who wish to do so can eat there.
Although Live Nation has not published the prices for each of the stalls at El Mercado (though, according to attendees, they range roughly between €5 and €20 per dish, depending on the stall), the prices of drinks available at the venue have been shared on social media.
The small cup alone costs 3 euros, which, in principle, can be refunded if the cup is returned. Refilling it with Solán de Cabras water costs €3, and with a soft drink, €4.50. The price of tinto de verano rises to €7.50, the same as a classic Mahou beer. Mixed drinks (€12), margaritas (€14), and mojitos (€14) are also served, among other options.
In addition, attendees are allowed to bring into Macondo Park a soft plastic water bottle holding up to 500 milliliters (without a cap; there are water fountains inside to refill it) and sandwiches or pieces of fruit for personal consumption wrapped in plastic wrap, which may be carried in a bag or backpack with a maximum capacity of 20 liters and dimensions of no more than 40x20x20 centimeters.