One of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks is the Tio Pepe sign that lights up the night sky over and around the Puerta del Sol square in downtown Madrid.

Erected in 1935, the Tio Pepe sign advertises Gonzalez Byass’s Tio Pepe wine brand. For over 80 years, the neon guitar player has enticed passers-by to give the wine he advertises a sip and has been a part of countless New Year’s celebrations in the Puerta del Sol square.

In 2009, the sign was declared an official city landmark by the Spanish government and in 2011, it was taken down for a few years to undergo restorations. Its absence was deeply felt by many Madridians and it was greeted with much fanfare when it returned to Puerta del Sol in 2014.

As long as efforts are maintained to keep it in good condition, the sign should remain a part of the square for many more decades to come!

Sign Location:
Coming soon!

Links:

• http://www.tiopepe.co.uk/news/legendary-tio-pepe-neon-sign-returns-to-its-madrid-home/ (Article from the official Tio Pepe website about the sign’s return to Puerta del Sol.)

(Image copyright: CARLOS TEIXIDOR CADENAS. Used via Wikimedia Commons per CC Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.)

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