1. Epiphany

5 Jan

The first festival of the year is the La Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos (Procession of the Kings). Floats parade along the main streets, and the Kings throw candies out to the people. The three wise men are played by local politicians or businessmen.

2. Neighbourhood Festivals

Each neighbourhood (barrio) organizes its own celebrations to mark local red-letter days. These range from the blessing of pets in the church of San Antón, Calle Hortaleza (17 January), to Chinese New Year in Lavapiés (end of January/early February).

3. Carnival

Feb

The fun begins the weekend before Shrove Tuesday with fancy dress competitions, brass bands and a procession followed by a spectacular show on Plaza Mayor. Ash Wednesday is marked by 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.

Carnival reveller

4. Holy Week

Mar/Apr

The three days leading up to Easter are marked by solemn religious processions. On Holy Thursday, the image of Jesus is carried through the city by penitents wearing traditional purple hoods, and chains around their feet. The following evening is the procession of Jesús de Medinacelli, which leaves from the basilica of the same name, before winding its way around the city centre.

Penitents carrying the statue of Jesus on Holy Thursday

5. San Isidro

15 May

The feast day of Madrid’s patron saint is celebrated with a procession to the Ermita de San Isidro, to the south-west of the city. Madrileños dress up in traditional costumes and picnic on rosquillas (doughnuts). There is also a fair, brass bands and sports events. San Isidro also marks the beginning of the bullfighting season.

6. Veranos de la Villa

Jul–Sep

The Summer Arts Festival is a season of concerts (pop, classical, flamenco), theatre productions, ballets and films – all featuring international as well as Spanish artists. Venues range from theatre and concert halls to the Centro Cultural Conde Duque.

7. Festival de Otoño a Primavera

Mid-Oct–mid-Apr

For five months each year this major cultural festival promotes the arts with an ambitious programme of dance music, drama and film by international companies. Productions take place in venues across the city.

8. Virgen de la Almudena

9 Nov

To mark the Feast of the Virgin of Almudena, the image of the patroness of Madrid is carried in procession through the centre of the city, followed by a mass in the cathedral which bears her name (see The Virgin of Almudena).

Virgen de la Almudena

9. Christmas Nativity Scene Fair

1 Dec–8 Jan

The large and spectacular Christmas Fair on Plaza Major has more than 100 booths, selling cribs (belenes), Nativity scene figures, trees and beautiful decorations.

10. New Year’s Eve

31 Dec

To be among the crowds in the Puerta del Sol on the most exciting night of the year is an unforgettable experience. On the stroke of midnight join the revellers in observing the custom of swallowing grapes, one after each chime. Bags of grapes and bottles of sparkling wine are sold from nearby stalls.