Summer magic and poetic encounters at the Residencia de Estudiantes

This summer, the Residencia de Estudiantes, a European Heritage Label Site, once again transformed its gardens into a stage for culture, imagination, and dialogue. In June and July 2025, it hosted a vibrant series of events dedicated to poetry, theatre, and music, continuing its long-standing tradition of open-air summer programming.

A highlight of the season was the open-air performance of selected scenes from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on 26 June, presented by the award-winning Theatre Group of Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. Accompanied by music from Felix Mendelssohn, the performance brought to life the enchanted forest of Shakespeare’s tale — complete with fairies, lovers, and theatrical mischief — across different corners of the Residencia’s gardens.

On 8 July, the fifth edition of “Poetry in the Garden” created another unforgettable evening under the stars. Curated by writer Mercedes Cebrián, the event gave voice to emerging poets from across the Spanish-speaking world, echoing the evocative words of Juan Gelman: “The assembly of the world will be a gathered child.” Poets Enma Calvo Olloqui, Ernesto Delgado, Antonio Díaz Mola, María García Díaz, and Lupita Zavaleta Vega shared their verses in a space where poetry served not only to communicate, but to transform.

These summer moments at the Residencia reflect its century-long mission: to nurture creative encounters, amplify new voices, and offer a home where Europe’s cultural heritage continues to grow.