Festivals

in Madrid

If theres one thing Spain has mastered its how to throw a good party. Whether youre looking to dress up and let loose for Carnival, with parades and costume parties culminating on Ash Wednesday with the traditional burial of the Sardine or experience a more local celebration in Malasana during the festival 2 de Mayo, celebrations include a wide variety of concerts, open-air dancing and sporting events, Madrid is the capital of fiestas. Below is a must see guide to the main festivals:

New Years Eve, Nochevieja Dec 31st

If youre here on New Years Eve dont forget to eat twelve grapes at midnight with each bell strike of the clock in central Sol , according to the tradition, it leads to a year of prosperity. Just make sure you buy the seedless kind. Whether your wishes come true or not, enjoy the chaotic spectacle and make it your resolution to come back to this exhilarating city.

February

Dragons and drums, delicately embroidered silk fabrics, red costumes, no you didnt get on the wrong flight, this is still Madrid. The Chinese New Year parade happens in Sol, the main square every year and its a great excuse to celebrate and make those new years resignations all over again. Keep an eye out in the local newspapers (20 minutos) and InMadrid for event listings.

March

Carnaval is perfect for anyone who ever felt like dressing up with all their friends. In true Spanish style theres never one loner who had the mad idea of buying a bumble bee costume, they do things in groups. So dont be startled when you see 10 Tina Turners coming at you. Its like their Halloween, without the goblins and ghouls. The main show takes place in Plaza Mayor

May Fiestas 2 de mayo

In true Spanish style, a dark date in the history of Madrid doesnt stop anyone from having a party. This day marks the moment when Napoleon invaded the city in 1808 and faced a revolt from the ordinary people of Madrid upon seeing a member of the royal family being taken away by his army. They were outnumbered and the next day suffered the consequences of challenging the ruthless Napoleon. Instead of mourning, this has become a day of celebration of the courage of those rebels. Concerts are held along with outdoor shows, theatre and fun for all the family. Most of the action is concentrated in the square 2nd of May in Malasana. For details of events keep an eye on their website

May/June

Stretching from, Madrids annual book fair is a bookworms paradise. The first fair took place in 1933 and its been going strong ever since. From the newest publications to antique gems theres something for all tastes.

End of June

Gay pride week boasts one of the worlds most legendary Gay Pride celebrations. With most concerts and events in and around the Chueca area, the event reaches its peak with a colourful parade which is held on the first Saturday after 28 June. Updates and photos of previous years festivals can be found August

They say Madrid is dead in August because no-one can deal with the heat. There is many a saint who begs to differ however, August being the month to dress up in traditional garb and pay homage to these do-gooders of bygone years. Expect outdoor fairs, bars and concerts and great neighbourly vibes in the festivals of San Cayetano in La Latina a.k.a El rastro neighborhood and San Lorenzo in Lavapies , where local residents set up concerts, colorful decorations, games and outdoor food & drink stands.

November

Let some smooth jazz sessions ease you into the autumn winter season at the International Jazz Festival, Fiesta Internacional de Jazz . Listening to deep saxophone sounds and racy beats youll forget the chilly breeze outside.

December

Christmas time in Madrid is all about lights. The locals usually complain and say they were better the previous year but to a foreigners eye theyre enchanting nonetheless. You can find every kind of crib paraphernalia in the outdoor Christmas market in Plaza Mayor