Shakira touched down in Madrid this week, exuding a mix of excitement and relief that she quickly shared with her fans worldwide. In an Instagram post that garnered over 600,000 likes within hours, the Colombian pop star acknowledged the profound emotional significance of her return to Spain.
"I'm thrilled to be back in Spain," Shakira expressed in her post. "I was happy here and experienced some of the most important years of my life. However, when I left, I went through one of the toughest periods I had to endure, until I could rebuild myself as a woman, a mother, and an artist."
These words carry weight, given the context: Shakira spent over a decade living in Barcelona with Gerard Piqué, and their separation in June 2022, after 12 years together, became one of the most publicized breakups in the entertainment and sports world. The final farewell to Barcelona came in April 2023, as she headed to Miami with her children. That pain, rather than overwhelming her, fueled her creativity, leading to her album "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" and the accompanying world tour.
In her heartfelt message, she also expressed deep gratitude to her Spanish fans: "Throughout this journey, my Spanish fans were always by my side, supporting me, loving me, and wishing me the best."
To describe the significance of her return, she borrowed an image from tango: "Returning, as Gardel said, surrounded by so much love fills me immensely. This time, I'm whole and ready to give my best in these 12 concerts."
She concluded with a sentiment that encapsulates her view of the bond between Spain and Latin America: "The Atlantic is no longer an ocean that separates but a tie that unites us."
Transforming adversity into strength is not a new concept for Shakira. In a conversation with Henar Álvarez, she mused, "I turn my challenges into jokes. We must laugh at life before life laughs at us."
Her return also promises a spectacular dimension. Her 12-concert residency in Madrid kicks off on September 18 at the specially constructed "Shakira Stadium" within the Iberdrola Music space in Madrid, with a capacity of over 50,000 people each night.
The organizers anticipate around 600,000 attendees over the scheduled dates in September and October. Alongside the stadium, "Macondo Park"—a temporary city inspired by the universe of Gabriel García Márquez—will offer cuisine, art, fashion, cinema, and literature from noon to midnight on concert days.
"Thank you to all my European fans, those from Colombia, and everyone coming to join me in this historic step for me. I love you all," Shakira concluded in her post.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shakira's Return to Spain
Why is Shakira returning to Spain significant?
Shakira's return to Spain is emotionally significant because it marks a return to a place where she spent important years of her life and because she is coming back after a very public and difficult breakup with Gerard Piqué.
What are the details of Shakira's Madrid concert residency?
Shakira's Madrid concert residency consists of 12 shows starting on September 18 at the specially built "Shakira Stadium" in the Iberdrola Music space, with the capacity to hold over 50,000 people per night.