🎤 Chaos at Rosalía’s Flashmob Performance Prompts Madrid Mayor’s Sharp Criticism

MADRID, SPAIN — What was meant to be a surprise celebration of music and unity turned into a scene of chaos as pop superstar Rosalía’s flashmob concert in central Madrid spiraled out of control on Thursday evening.

Thousands of fans flooded Plaza de Callao after rumors spread online that the Grammy-winning singer would perform a secret set to mark the anniversary of her breakthrough album Motomami. Within minutes, the area became so overcrowded that local police were forced to intervene.

Videos shared on social media show excited fans climbing street signs, blocking traffic, and spilling into nearby streets as they tried to catch a glimpse of Rosalía, who appeared briefly atop a stage truck before being escorted away by security.

Emergency services reported several minor injuries due to pushing and overcrowding, though no serious incidents were confirmed.

Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida sharply criticized the event organizers on Friday, calling the gathering “irresponsible and unsafe.”

“We all love Rosalía and her music,” Almeida said during a press briefing. “But an event of this magnitude cannot happen without coordination with city officials. Public safety must come first.”

City officials said they were not notified in advance of the performance, which was reportedly arranged by Rosalía’s marketing team as a “surprise thank-you” for her fans.

Despite the chaos, many attendees described the moment as unforgettable.

“It was crazy, but seeing her even for a few seconds was worth it,” one fan told El País.

Rosalía has yet to release an official statement, though her team posted a brief message on Instagram later that night, thanking fans for their “love and energy” and urging them to “stay safe always.”