Today, Madrid remains Spain's financial and political core, home to the Cortes (Parliament), Senate and Royal Family, as well as the extraordinary cultural riches of the Golden Triangle - the Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza art museums.

With a population of just over three million, Madrid is Europe's third largest city (after London and Berlin) and its highest capital, at 650m (2,132ft) above sea level.

Spaniards are determined to vivir a tope (live life to the full). The craving for conspicuous enjoyment, not to mention the 2,800 hours of annual sunshine, turn the streets into bustling centres of public display.

Madrid's infectious and colourful fiestas punctuate the year, with each barrio (district) trying to outdo the other in its celebrations. The highlights include Reyes Magos (Feast of the Three Kings), Carnival, the religious processions of Holy Week, the San Isidro Festival in May (the beginning of the bullfighting season) and Nochevieja (New Year's Eve)

Each barrio has its own distinctive atmosphere - Lavapiés, Malasaña and Chueca being the oldest and most interesting.

http://www.worldtravelguide.net/city/73/city_guide/Europe/Madrid.html

Spanish Civil War

"The Spanish Civil War was a major conflict in Spain that started after an attempted coup d'état committed by parts of the army against the government of the Second Spanish Republic. The Civil War devastated Spain from 17 July 1936 to 1 April 1939, ending with the victory of the rebels and the founding of a dictatorship led by the Fascist General Francisco Franco and the defeat of the supporters of the Republic. Republicans (republicanos), gained the support of the Soviet Union and Mexico, while the followers of the rebellion, nacionales (Nationalists), received the support of the major European Axis powers, namely Italy, Germany, as well as neighbouring Portugal."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Civil_War