Wednesday, August 17, 2011

World Youth Days in Madrid 2011

World Youth Day is a youth-oriented Catholic Church event. While the event itself celebrates the Catholic faith, the invitation to attend extends to all youth, regardless of religious convictions.

This year's World Youth Day is held over six days from August 16–21 in Madrid, Spain. I am not particularly religious but I happend to be in Madrid this past weekend and was amazed to see the sea of people exploring Madrid prior to the World Youth Days.

Another part of the Culture of WYD is the manpower that the events get from various volunteers from all over the world. Before a massive and gargantuan task that awaits them on August 16, the international volunteers of World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid arrive ahead of the pilgrims that flock to the city these coming days. There are over 30,000 volunteers with 30 different nationalities and countries including Mexico, USA, Portugal and the Philippines, that will help in organizing the events.

Following are some of my personal impressions.


Puerto del Sol


Fastest way to get around Madrid


KM 0 is where it all starts from


Souvenirs


Spain's two religions: Catholicism and football


Plaza Mayor


Madird's Cathedral "Almudena"


Palacio Real


The aisle Letizia walked down when she wed the Prince of Spain


Madrid's Opera house where I met Iker Casillas (Real Madrid's goalie)


Madrid on a Saturday afternoon in August


WYD volunteers


My absolute favourite volunteer: el Gallego!


Everywhere you look: Madrid is declaring its faith!


For detailed info please check out the official WYD Madrid site: www.madrid11.com/ 

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