Spanish Royal Couple Opens Jubilee Edition of ARCO Art Fair in Madrid

Madrid became the center of European cultural and diplomatic life on Thursday. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia inaugurated the jubilee 45th edition of the ARCO fair, which attracts collectors and artists from around the world every year. This year's opening was distinguished by a strong political-economic emphasis, as art galleries renewed their call for a reduction of cultural VAT. Media paid particular attention to Queen Letizia's attire, who opted for a classic green tweed dress, forgoing the avant-garde styles typical of this event. The event coincided with the official visit of the Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg, Henri and Maria Teresa, to Spain. A formal reception was held at the Royal Palace, serving as an opportunity to demonstrate the close dynastic and personal ties between Madrid and Luxembourg. It is worth noting that Princess Stéphanie de Luxembourg appeared alongside the Spanish queen in an outfit of a similar color palette, which was interpreted as a diplomatic gesture of sympathy. This visit fits into the broader context of the Luxembourgish ruling family's promotional activities in European states. The International Contemporary Art Fair ARCO was founded in 1982 and has since evolved from a local initiative into a prestigious platform connecting the European and Latin American art markets.Meanwhile, the Spanish media and cultural world was plunged into mourning following the death of the eminent journalist Fernando Ónega. Legendary singer Julio Iglesias published a moving farewell letter, in which he highlighted the editor's historical contribution to the development of Spanish journalism during the transition period. Other well-known commentators, including Jesús Cintora, also spoke on the matter, pointing to Ónega as a symbol of consensus and professionalism. „Desde la tierra al cielo la distancia no es tan grande” (From the earth to the sky the distance is not so great) — Julio Iglesias In Seville, a tribute was held for the Duchess of Alba, who passed away years ago. Her daughter, Eugenia Martínez de Irujo, opened an exhibition at the Palace of Dueñas, presenting unique works of art related to her mother's life. This event, though commemorative in nature, also became an arena for discussion about the evolution of tradition, including the descendant of the Alba family's stance on tauromachy, from which Eugenia Martínez de Irujo has clearly distanced herself.