MADRID - FIESTAS & CULTURAL EVENTS
December/January
Christmas festivities
The traditional nativity scene is held in the PlazaMayor and the New Year is
celebrated by crowds in Puerta del Sol. On the eve of Reyes (January 7) a procession of the
Three Wise Men is arranged by the Ayuntamiento through the centre of the city.
San Antón
On 17th January, the traditional procession of animals is blessed in an unusual
manner around the Church of San Antonio Abad.
February
Carnival
The Ayuntamiento arrange a week of fiestas with a procession of carriages, a parade
in costumes through the streets and a fancy dress competition. Also Cádiz street
musicians with lots of entertainment. The fiesta ends with the famous
Entierro de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine) where members of the various
associations dress up in top hats and black cloaks to follow the coffin containing
the sardine for burial in San Antonio de la Florida. Mockingly, but looking serious,
this quaint procession walks through old Madrid, often stopping at tabernas to
quench their thirst.
March-April
Holy Week
Madrid as well as the rest of Spain, holds its own Holy Week processions with
visits to places of interest, many Madrilenians take advantage
of these few days to spend some time away from the city.
May 2
Celebrations
Madrid celebrates with parades, processions and various events coinciding with
those held in the Plaza 2 de Mayo in the Malasaña area, very popular
with young people.
May 15th
St. Isidore
The Ayuntamiento organises various activities which continue almost to the end
of the month. These include dances, pilgrimages, street musicians, classical
concerts, theatre, etc. The St. Isidore shrine is erected on the banks of the
River Manzanares on the spot where the saint performed the miracle of causing
a spring to open up from the ground. This spot is the traditional point of pilgrimage.
June 13th
St. Anthony
This ancient Madrilenian dance is held in San Antonio de la Florida.
June 24th
St. John
Various districts in Madrid such as, Retiro, Batán and Manoteras celebrate this festival.
June 29th
St. Peter
This is celebrated in districts of Madrid such as Carabanchel and Prosperidad.
July 16th
Virgen del Carmen
Celebrations are held in the various districts of Madrid such as Vallecas, Villaverde
Alto and Carabanchel Bajo.
Aug. 3rd
San Cayetano
Aug 5th
San Lorenzo
Aug 15th
La Paloma
These celebrations are typical of Madrid and Lavapiés, La Latina, Tirso de
Molina and Puerta de Toledo, each has a village atmosphere. The streets are
decorated and sangria made with white wine is drunk. Dancing and competitions are
also included in the celebrations.
Nov. 9th
La Almudena
The patroness of the city with various celebrations taking place.
CULTURE
Welcome | Learning Spanish | Spanish Real Estate | Arts & Culture | Spanish News | Travel | Embassies & Consulates of Spain | Spanish Web Sites | Living in Spain | Business & Commerce | Point of View | A Nation´s Heritage | Galería de Arte | Craft Gifts | Language Services | Classified Ads. | Environment | Your Letters | Guestbook | Search | Write to us
© 1996 tuspain.com
All Rights Reserved.
All Rights Reserved.