Last Wednesday, 22 July, the Plaza del Callao shifted its usual pace to 180 km/h to become an open-air cinema. To mark its centenary, Cines Callao held a free summer film screening of *Back to the Future*, one of the great classics of cinema, thereby bringing the cinematic experience into the public space for a few hours.

The event brought together Madrileños, time travellers and film lovers in one of the city’s busiest spots. Throughout the evening, the cinemas’ main outdoor screen became the centrepiece of a celebration designed to thank Madrid for the bond forged over a century of shared history.

The event took the Cines Callao experience beyond its auditoriums and revived the spirit of summer screenings: a film enjoyed together, an open square and the simple pleasure of sitting together to watch a story under the Madrid sky.

The birthday present was for Madrid

The celebration was based on a clear idea: after 100 years of receiving Madrid’s affection, Cines Callao wanted to return the favour with an open, free and shared experience. The anniversary thus became a gift for those who have filled its cinemas generation after generation.

The choice of *Back to the Future* added a special touch to the evening: a film about time travel to celebrate a building that has been part of the city’s cultural memory for a century.

For a few hours, this event transformed the Plaza del Callao from a place people simply pass through into a cinema and an open-air time capsule. It was a way of looking back, celebrating the present and sharing with Madrid the 100-year history of one of its most recognisable cultural venues.

About Cines Callao

Opened in 1926 and situated in Plaza del Callao, right in the heart of Madrid, Cines Callao is one of Spain’s most iconic cultural venues. Managed by Callao City Lights, a company within the group led by Josué Reyzábal, it combines film screenings with corporate events, premieres and major cultural gatherings. Its outdoor digital screens form part of the Circuito Gran Vía, one of the capital’s major outdoor digital advertising networks.

Further information: https://cinescallao.es

Cines Callao celebrated its centenary by bringing the cinema to the Plaza del Callao.

On 22 July, Cines Callao brought the cinema experience to the heart of Madrid with a free open-air screening of *Back to the Future*, as part of its centenary celebrations.

The film was shown on the cinemas’ outdoor screen, and the square was set up with 164 seats, as well as free popcorn and water for attendees.

During the evening, one of Europe’s busiest squares was transformed into a meeting place where locals and visitors alike could sit, socialise and enjoy the cinema together.

The initiative stemmed from a simple idea: after 100 years of receiving Madrid’s affection, Cines Callao wanted to return the favour.