The Superior Court of Justice of Madrid (TSJM) has confirmed the fine of 96,000 euros to the organizer of the Brava Madrid festival, Madrid Salvaje AIE, for imposing bracelets cashless as the only payment method and charge for the return of money not consumed in its 2023 edition, after the complaint from Facua-Consumidores en Acción.
In October of last year, the General Subdirectorate of Consumer Inspection and Market Control of Madrid informed Facua about the sanction against the developer for committing “two serious administrative infractions.” On the one hand, the imposition of bracelets and the inclusion of “several clauses limiting consumer rights” in its general conditions. Subsequently, the organizer of the event filed an appeal against the decision of the Madrid administration. However, the TSJM has recently determined the expiration of the appeal filed given that “the claim was not filed within the legally granted period.”
Other complaints
The Madrid City Council opened a file on the Brava Madrid festival in September 2023 after receiving complaints about the charging of up to 9 or 10 euros for the use of EMT buses, which were advertised and operated as a shuttle service from IFEMA to the center of the capital.
Facua denounced Brava Madrid again in 2024 for the same irregularities, such as imposition of the bracelets and for keeping part of the excess money. And in 2025, the organization again denounced the promoter for preventing access to the festival facilities with food and drink purchased abroad, which represents the indirect imposition of unsolicited services and accessories.
This year, Facua has also denounced the organizing company for refusing to return the ticket money to those attendees who requested it. This after the event had to modify its lineup following the announcement by several artists that they would finally not participate in the festival. The reason that was mentioned was “Brava Madrid’s membership in the pro-Zionist KKR fund, as well as other events such as the FIB, the Arenal Sound, or the Viña Rock,” said Facua. Around a thousand people participated in a demonstration called by the Platform for Peace in Palestine, in which they demanded the cancellation of Brava Madrid.
Facua then reminded all users with tickets for Brava Madrid that the modification of the poster after the refusal of several groups and artists to participate gives them the right to demand a refund of the money, just as for any other of these events.
Furthermore, the association has obtained a ruling that has confirmed “the abuse” of the clauses that the same promoter imposed in another of the festivals it organizes: Madrid Salvaje. The judge has prohibited the company from repeating these practices, which consisted of preventing entry with food and drink from abroad and imposing three euros for returning the money consumed from the bracelets. cashless. This ruling is pending appeal before the Provincial Court.