This Saturday many cities around the world will switch off their lights in solidarity with the commitment to save our planet. This will happen for one hour from 8:30pm till 9:30pm. Last year I was lucky to witness this event in Lisbon.In Lisbon the monumental 25 de Abril Bridge was switched off for an hour.

 Its quite remarkable and an introspective experience for those witnessing it.In Madrid apart from the actual lights off there will be various activities to mark the day:

• In the Retiro Park  WWF Spain whose this venue to conduct the first race for the planet an hour prior to the “apagon”. 
• In the Puerta de la Independencia (closest entrance is at Puerta de Alcalá) there will be games and kids activies from 5pm and at 6:30pm an exhibition of skating.  

All the participants will have a candle for the hour of the planet which will be lit when the puerta de Alcala darkens.For the young ones there will be a suprise: Pocoyó and his friend Panda will be present to launch the race,take pictures and give out prizes to the race winners. After the race the WWF stage will host musical acts from the percussion group Tazajo Tamboo el dúo Shivaritas as well as a spectacle of dance and music One Love,One Earth during the time the “planet” is in the dark for one hour.  Other acts include Jorge Drexler from 19:30,in the Telefónica  Quarters (Gran Vía) in an acustic music concert and Pinchos con velas which as the name suggests will be finger foods eaten from 20:30,in the Mercado de San Miguel (close to Plaza Mayor) .Therefore you can also take part in the Hour for The Planet eating delicious and exquisite tapas in the Mercado de San Miguel.