Two of Madrid’s most iconic symbols will be bringing energy and charm to the European Team Championships 2025: meet Chulapa and Castizo, a playful kitty and a cheerful bear here to support the top 16 national teams competing in the heart of the Spanish capital.
European Team Championships Madrid 2025 has unveiled two virtual mascots: Chulapa and Castizo, a cat and a bear who will delight athletics fans on the video screens at Estadio Vallehermoso and across all digital platforms. But why a cat and a bear to represent European athletics in Madrid?
The answer is simple—and familiar to almost anyone in Spain. The bear reaching up to the madroño tree is Madrid’s most recognized symbol. Named Castizo, this mascot’s name comes from a word deeply tied to the identity of the city. “Castizo” means “authentic” and “traditional,” evoking Madrid’s origins and its vibrant culture—its bars, parks, festivals, and museums. Madrid is castiza, and there’s no better figure to represent that spirit than a bear named Castizo.
And what about the kitty? Are there lots of felines running through Madrid’s streets? Not quite. But a person born in Madrid to Madrid-born grandparents is known as a “gato” (cat). Legend has it that during the 11th century, when Madrid was reconquered, a soldier climbed the city walls with the agility of a cat. A thousand years later, the nickname still refers to true Madrileños—not just by birth, but those who live and breathe the city with pride.
Our kitty couldn’t be named anything but Chulapa—a name not only tied to the city, but also to the working-class traditions of Madrid. Despite its millions of residents, the city has never lost its essence. “Chulapos” still dress in traditional outfits during the San Isidro festivities, carnation in hair, dancing gracefully with a signature dash of swagger. Chulapa captures that spirit perfectly.
ACTIVE AND VIRTUAL MASCOTS
Chulapa and Castizo will be the stars of the party at Madrid 2025. Through the big screens at Vallehermoso and across social media, our favorite kitty and bear will hype up the crowds and help everyone enjoy the European Team Championships to the fullest.
Beyond cheering, they’ll also show off some surprising athletic skills in videos—competing in their own way in classic athletics events. We won’t give away too much, but keep an eye on the official Madrid 2025 Instagram—you might just catch them in action soon!
