1. Carnival

A feast of colour and fun, the carnival in Madrid begins the weekend before Shrove Tuesday with music, dancing and parades. Ash Wednesday sees the “Burial of the Sardine”. The mock funeral procession leaves from the church of San Antonio de la Florida and ends with the burial in the Casa de Campo, marking the start of Lent.

Carnival reveller

2. Holy Week

The celebration of the Passion of Christ is one of the most important traditions in Spain. The three days leading up to Easter see sombre but spectacular religious processions. On Holy Thursday, watch the image of Jesus being carried by penitents in traditional purple hoods and with chains around their feet. On Good Friday evening the procession of Jesús de Medinacelli leaves the basilica of the same name before winding its way around the city centre.

Grand procession on Holy Thursday

3. Patron Saints Fiestas

Madrid has two patron saints, both honoured with feast days. On 15 May the Feast of San Isidro the Labourer sees picnics, concerts and a procession to the Ermita de San Isidro. The Feast of the Virgin of Almudena takes place on 9 November when the virgin’s image is paraded through the city, followed by a mass in the cathedral which bears her name (see p102).

4. Performing Arts Festivals

www.veranosdelavilla.com • www.madrid.org/fo

Venues all across the city host an extravaganza of dance, music, drama and film during the summer Veranos de la Villa festival and the Festival de Otoño in autumn.

5. Open-Air Classical Music

www.fundacionolivardecastillejo.org • www.rjb.csic.es

Enjoy a concert of classical music from mid-June to mid-September at the Fundación Olivar de Castillejo, a peaceful oasis full of olive trees in the middle of the city. Nature and classical music also come together at the Real Jardín Botánico every Friday evening in summer.

6. Art Events

www.iferma.es/arco-madrid • www.artemadrid.com/apertura

With one of the liveliest art scenes in Europe, Madrid hosts some major art events. ARCO art fair, usually held in February, draws artists and collectors from all over the world. In September, during Apertura Madrid, galleries and museums launch their new exhibitions with free entry over a weekend.

7. Flamenco Fever

www.madrid.org/sumaflamenca

Many of the exponents of flamenco are based in Madrid. To attend one of the most comprehensive gatherings of flamenco artists, head to the Suma Flamenca festival, usually held in June. Flamenco Madrid, hosted in spring by the Teatro Fernán Gómez, also puts on performances.

8. Fiestas del 2 Mayo

Celebrating the victory over Napoleon and the French occupation on 2 May 1808, the Day of the Community of Madrid is one of the most popular festivals in the city. Celebrations take place on Playa de Dos de Mayo, with concerts, dancing and sports competitions, followed by a military parade and fireworks.

Fiestas del 2 Mayo celebrations

9. Foodie Festivals

www.tapapies.com • www.gastrofestivalmadrid.com

Taste the best of the world at TapaPiés in October when bars and restaurants in Lavapiés offer tapas for only €1.50– €2.50. During Gastrofestival, venues across the city stage gastronomy events in February.

10. Epiphany Celebrations

One of the most magical times during Christmas is the evening of 5 January when Madrileños celebrate Epiphany with the Procession of the Kings. Multiple floats parade through the city and the Kings throw sweets out into the crowd.