Getafe City Council takes drastic measures
In an unexpected turn, the Getafe City Council has decided to challenge the licence granted by the Madrid City Council for the Mad Cool Festival, scheduled from 8 to 11 July at the Iberdrola Music venue. The mayor, Sara Hernández, has submitted objections highlighting a concerning history of acoustic measurements that evidence the negative impact on residents' health.
Hernández has not held back in her words, describing the collected data as "devastating." In her statement, she emphasised that "this is not an opinion, it is a reality measured by technicians," stressing that activities at this venue are incompatible with the quality of life of residents. The neighbourhood of Getafe Norte, already affected by acoustic saturation due to its proximity to the M-45, is in a critical situation according to the Strategic Noise Map.
Since 2023, the programming at Iberdrola Music has grown an astonishing 425%, increasing from four days to seventeen confirmed days for 2026. This expansion not only affects noise levels but also generates significant problems in mobility and safety for thousands of attendees. The mayor has denounced that this situation creates an "unsustainable sound pressure" and directly affects the fundamental rights of residents.
This is not the first time the Mad Cool Festival has faced criticism; there is currently an ongoing criminal case against the event due to previous complaints of exceeding permitted noise limits. Additionally, organisations such as Plataforma Stop Mad Cool have added their voices to the City Council's objections, arguing that this space could become a permanent fairground if adequate measures are not taken.
As tensions between local and regional administrations intensify, Hernández has called for fair treatment for all neighbourhoods affected by mass events. "It cannot be that the residents of Bernabéu or Valencia have more rights than us," she stated determinedly. The City Council also criticised what it sees as a lack of action from the regional and local government to address these concerns.
As the festival date approaches, local authorities continue to push for a healthier environment for their citizens. With more events scheduled at Iberdrola Music, including a series of massive concerts featuring Shakira, it is clear that this battle between noise and rest is just beginning.
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