HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I could find no better image to wish you a Happy 2016 than the photo of a chiming clock, I took during my recent stay in Madrid.

The clock, like others in the city, was designed by Mingote  (1919-2012),  a cartoonist, writer and journalist.

Since 1993, 5 figures (Goya inspired) dance at the sound of the 18 bells. The figures represent the painter Goya, Carlos III (the King), the Duchess of Alba, Pedro Romero (the bullfighter) and the Manola (feminine symbol of Madrid). 

I was lucky... Twice a year - on December 24 and 31 at midnight - there are special sounds three times a day. By chance I passed by the building at noon. The sound was of traditional Christmas music.

Let's welcome the New Year with champagne...