The Festival of Ideas seeks to transform Madrid into the "world capital of thought."

The Festival of Ideas returns to Madrid with more venues, more thinkers, and more nationalities. From September 18th to 21st, the capital's streets and squares will be open to the public for debate on the dilemmas of today's world, politics, female figures, identity... and a host of other topics encompassed by the idea of ​​the labyrinth , a classic metaphor for play and punishment.

For the second consecutive year, La Fábrica and the Círculo de Bellas Artes, together with the Community of Madrid, the City Council, and the Ministry of Culture, are consolidating this initiative that seeks to foster citizen debate and free thought. At the press conference held in Plaza de la Villa, Javier Moscoso , co-director of content, stated that "it's a festival that doesn't preach, but rather celebrates and promotes difference." He was joined by his colleague and co-director, Marcela Vélez , who affirms that they want to " turn Madrid into the world capital of thought and ideas."

Also present were Óscar Becerra , director of La Fábrica, and Valerio Rocco , director of the Círculo de Bellas Artes: both thanked the high participation of the first edition, assuring that this year they expect 15,000 people (in 2024 it was more than 10,000). In addition, they announced that this edition will be more ambitious and there will be more than 122 collaborators of 16 different nationalities, including Amin Maalouf, who will talk with Jesús G. Calero , Pankaj Mishra, Adriana Cavarero , Michel Houellebecq, Michael Ignatieff , Victoria Camps and Wolfram Elienberger. Although they are not the only ones. Also present will be Simon Reynolds, Karina Sainz Borgo , Fernando Rodríguez Lafuente, Diego Garrocho, Gonzalo Suárez, Ruiz-Domènec, Carlos Granés, Juan Manuel de Prada and Leila Guerriero.

The number of venues has also increased, from 9 to 12, with the Allianz Stage in Plaza España and the Círculo de Bellas Artes as the main venues, although they are not the only ones. The Prado Museum , the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Caixaforum, the Puerta del Sol, Casa Asia, and the Ortega Marañón Foundation will host various activities, workshops, and talks.

Reviving last year's activities, there will be "speakers corners"—temporary installations with open microphones for passersby—and philosophical walks, comprised of small groups who will tour various venues such as Carabanchel prison and the Naval Museum . There will also be concerts and dance and theater performances. New features include video game workshops at the Caixaforum, a wellness space with meditation and yoga in Plaza España, and speed dating for citizens of different generations.