In 2019, the Madrid City Council presented " Chulapa ", a typeface that encapsulates the traditional and festive character of the city. Inspired by the iconic ceramic plaques of the streets of the historic center, this free fountain was designed to pay homage to the San Isidro festivities and the traditional soul of Madrid.
The inspiration for Chulapa comes from the classic ceramic plates that adorn the streets of Madrid's old town, created by ceramist Alfredo Ruiz de Luna in the 90s. These plaques, with their characteristic style, have become a graphic emblem of the city.
With the idea of updating and preserving this legacy, the Madrid City Council entrusted the designers Joan Carles Casasín and Pablo Gámez, who materialized the initial proposal of Silvia Fernández Palomar, creator of a similar typeface used in the San Isidro posters of 2018.
Chulapa is a sans-serif typeface with details reminiscent of manual lettering. Its design incorporates irregularities in size, spacing and ligatures between letters, giving it a lively and handcrafted appearance, ideal for creating authentic graphic compositions full of character.
Since May 15, 2019, coinciding with the festivities of San Isidro, Chulapa is available for free download on the official website of the Madrid City Council. Its license allows both personal and commercial uses, as well as modifications and redistributions, promoting its dissemination and adaptability.
Typography has become a tool for cultural, commercial and educational projects, standing out in posters, logos and signage
Chulapa reinforces Madrid's graphic identity, serving as a bridge between tradition and modernity. Its implementation in events such as the San Isidro festivities and in local businesses has consolidated its presence as a visual symbol of the city.
The launch of Chulapa coincided with the San Isidro festivities in 2019, where it was used in official posters. Its traditional aesthetic was perfectly aligned with the festive and cultural atmosphere of the celebration, evoking the traditional spirit of Madrid
Downloading and installing Chulapa is a straightforward process. Access the Madrid City Council website, download the file, install it on your computer and use it in any design or text editing program. From invitations to commercial branding, this typeface adapts to multiple uses.
Chulapa is not only a typographic font, but a cultural piece that connects Madrid's tradition with contemporary design. It is a perfect tool for those looking to capture the essence of Madrid in their projects, combining the artisanal with the modern
