The magical quarry that grew 45 years ago under the illusion of Juan Tamariz: "Everybody wants to perform here"

The Cafetín Croché, located in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, has become a legendary venue for magic over the past four decades, thanks in large part to the influence of Juan Tamariz. On Friday, the venue hosted its first performance dedicated to Tamariz since his passing, with the evening’s show featuring Karim, a contemporary illusionist who honored the late magician’s legacy. The event was marked by a poignant message displayed on the stage: “After a sad day, magic continues, as he would have liked.” This sentiment resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom had been drawn to the venue for years under Tamariz’s guidance. The Cafetín Croché opened its doors on July 20, 1981, in the historic district of Las Casas de los Doctores. Just days before the opening, Maricruz Lorente and her husband, Manuel Méguez, were finalizing preparations when a mysterious figure appeared at their doorstep. He introduced himself as Juan Tamariz, a magician seeking a place to perform. Tamariz, who later became a central figure in the world of Spanish magic, began his tenure at the café with a simple yet powerful statement: “For Croché, a magical place, of a modest magician.” His arrival set the tone for an enduring tradition that would shape the identity of the venue for generations. From the very beginning, Tamariz helped establish the “Hora de Brujas,” or “Hour of Witches,” which took place every Friday at 11 p.m. This weekly ritual became a cornerstone of the café’s culture, drawing audiences eager to witness live magic performed in an intimate setting. Over the course of 45 years, the underground chamber known as the Cripta Mágica, located beneath the café, has hosted more than 50 magicians, many of whom were trained in Tamariz’s school. Today, his daughter, Ana Tamariz, heads the Gran Escuela de Magia, continuing the educational mission that defined her father’s work. Among the notable names associated with the venue are international stars such as Pepe Caroll, Antonio Romero, Camilo, Anthony Blake, Julio Carabias, Donald, Miguel Gómez, Agustín Leal, and Luis Boyano. These performers, many of whom were mentored by Tamariz, have carried forward the tradition of bringing magic into smaller, more personal spaces. Antonio Romero, one of Tamariz’s protégés, recalls how the magician transformed the art of illusion into a shared experience. “He broke all molds. He was exceptional. He was a master for all of us,” Romero said, reflecting on his early encounters with Tamariz. Tamariz, along with fellow pioneers Armando de Miguel and Ignacio Brieva, sought to redefine magic by moving away from traditional stages and into pubs and small venues. Their goal was to create a closer connection between performer and audience, allowing spectators to feel the magic up close. The Cafetín Croché provided precisely this environment, offering a space where experimentation and creativity could flourish. Tamariz used the venue to test new tricks, refine his craft, and build a community around the art of illusion. In the early years, Tamariz and other emerging magicians operated on a philosophy of collaboration and mutual support. They would rotate through different venues, performing without financial gain, relying instead on the joy of sharing the magic they loved. This ethos still lives on today, as the venue continues to attract new talent while honoring the traditions established by Tamariz and his contemporaries. The Cafetín Croché remains a living monument to the power of imagination and the enduring impact of a visionary magician.