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Countdown to World Youth Day 2011
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Have you ever wanted to go on a pilgrimage so exciting...
you'll treasure it for the rest of your life?
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Live Web Cam from Madrid Spain |
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You can.
In 2000 and again in 2005, Club Europa took care of the travel arrangements for more than 2,600 young
Christians to Rome and Cologne for World Youth Day. The 2011 WYD - complete with
Papal festivities - is to take place in Madrid, Spain - and we're
hoping to take you along.
Normally our groups start at around 25 participants,
but if you can't find enough interested parties in your parish, Club
Europa may be able to put you in touch with other parties with similar
travel interests to yours.
To get an idea of the possibilities, look at the sample itineraries
below. In the first one you'd stay in Madrid and also visit the Segovia - Avila Area. In the second, you'd
start in Barcelona and Montserrat Area and travel your way to the WYD events in Madrid. The third sample begins in Paris and Lourdes Area then on to the WYD events. The fourth tours Lisbon, Fatima, Santiago and Coimbra and ends in Madrid for the WYD events. The fifth includes Rome, Barcelona, and Madrid and the WYD festivities.
Young Christians from around the world will be welcomed to Madrid, Spain, in August of 2011, for the 23rd World Youth Day. They will participate in various faith-based activities in and around Madrid, carrying on the special tradition in celebration
of universal faith and fellowship.
Club Europa invites you and
your group to pick one of the pilgrimage itineraries we have designed around this event – or to design your own!
Short History of Madrid...
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Madrid, the capital of Spain since 1561 has a long history. The Romans first settled there in the 2nd century and by the 5th century were overthrown by the Visigoths, a barbaric German tribe. In the 7th century the city was controlled by Islam when the Arab Emir Mohamed I (852-886), ordered the construction of a fortress on the left bank of the Manzanares River. By the 9th century the modern city was taking shape thanks to Muhammad I who ordered the construction of a small palace, which is now Palacio Real.
Soon after, it became the subject of a dispute between the Christians and Arabs until it was conquered by Alonso VI in 1085. At that time the Muslim mosque was converted into the church of the Virgin of Almudena. In the 14th century a fire destroyed most of the city and then it was rebuilt by Henry III of Castile.
At the end of the 17th century, a defensive wall was built for the protection of the new outlying areas, tracing the roads of Segovia, Toledo and Valencia. During the 18th century, under the reign of Carlos III, the great arteries of the city, such as the Paseo del Prado and Paseo las Acacias, were designed. Madrid has flourished as a center of industry, culture, economy, technology, banking, trade, education - and religion.
With over 73 museums, Madrid is known as one of Europe's most important cultural destinations. The Prado Museum is the most famous, but the Reina Sofia Museum is the home of Picasso’s Guemica, which was returned to Madrid after hanging in New York for over twenty years.
With a population of over four million, Madrid is a city of great monuments, grand avenues, and with a huge appetite for art, music and other cultural presentations and activities.
As the home of World Youth Day 2011, Madrid will again make history. Club Europa invites you to be a part of this historic celebration of Catholic culture, joy and love. |
World Youth Day 2011, August 15-21, in MadridWorld Youth Day 2011, August 15-21, in Madrid
Catholic News Agency: (www.catholicnewsagency.com)
MADRID (CNA) - The governor of Madrid, Esperanza Aguirre, has announced that the dates for World Youth Day 2011 will be August 15-21. She also assured the public that local officials would support the event and ensure it would be a success.
“I am sure Madrid will be ready to welcome the Pope as he deserves for the next World Youth Day, which will be held in the Spanish capital in 2011,” Aguirre said in response to the announcement.
She said she shared the sentiments of Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela of Madrid, who said the event would “have important repercussions for the social, cultural and general life of Spain.”
Aguirre said she was “very happy” that Spain was chosen as the host city for the next World Youth Day and that “it will be a great opportunity for the young people of Madrid, whether they are Catholic or not, because the Pope is a worldwide authority.”
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If you haven't yet, please review the sample itineraries below:
(If you prefer a customized tour, please check out our Quick Quote Form).
