From the most emblematic buildings to the balconies of ordinary houses and all the streets the Popemobile will pass through 

Madrid August 11th 2011.- There is less than a week to go for World Youth Day and Madrid is getting ready to welcome the Holy Father and the pilgrims arriving from all over the world.  If the city already had charm, decorated for a great fiesta and full of happy young people it will be even more spectacular.  

Flags, banners and banderoles adorn the balconies of the houses… but also the most emblematic buildings of Madrid: from the National Library, to the towers in Colón Square and one of the most important skyscrapers of Madrid (Torre Espacio). 

This building, well known for having the highest chapel in the world, will act as a ‘Paschal candle’ during WYD. An enormous spotlight like a flame will be positioned on it, with a cross on either side. It can be seen from August 15th to 21st from 10 pm and from any point in the city, even Cuatro Vientos!

Find your place to welcome the Pope 

The most important thing is that anyone can take part in the ‘Make Madrid beautiful’ campaign. In order to liven up the streets, the route that the Popemobile will take has been divided into stretches with different actions: rows of flags, pa-palmeo (clapping for the Pope), calling by continents, the human wave, and lots more… find the activity you like most and position yourself!   

During part of the Popemobile’s route the sky will be filled with color: WYD balloons will be distributed in the streets and many will be set loose into the sky. The most special ones are the balloons in form of a dove of the children in San Rafael Hospital. Helped by volunteers they will hang their messages and wishes on the balloons, and the balloons will have seeds inside them so that wherever they fall they will plant hope.  

These are only a few initiatives of the ‘Make Madrid beautiful’ campaign. Find out about them all and find your place on the Popemobile route to welcome the Pope.