Madrid has festivities taking place all through the year including concerts, festivals, fairs and religious events.
The list below presents an overview of the major events in the Madrid area.
January
Calvalcade of the Three Kings
An evening procession through the city centre where children are showered with sweets.
San Anton
The traditional procession of animals is blessed around the Church of San Antonio Abad.
February
Holy Week
Partying and fancy dress parades take place throughout the week before Lent.
March
Easter Week
In late March or early April, depending on when Easter falls, Easter Week (or Semana Santa) is celebrated in Madrid on a lower key level than in Toledo.
April
Easter Week
In late March or early April depending on when Easter falls, Easter Week (or Semana Santa) is celebrated in Madrid, on a lower key level than in Toledo.
Flemenco Summit
April is the month for the Flemenco Summit in Madrid. Call (212) 265-8822 for more information.
May
Fiesta del Dos de Mayo
At its zenith in the 1980s, fiesta musical revelry still unfolds around the Plaza Dos de Mayo in early May. Call (212) 265-8822 for more information.
Fiesta de San Isidro
Heralding arrival of bullfighting season, fiesta events tied to carnival take place non-stop for a week with bands, parades, and entertainment often around the Plaza Mayor. Call (212) 265-8822 for more information.
June
Fiesta de la Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida
On June 13, San Antonio Day, girls gather at the hermitage of San Antonio de la Florida. Dressmaker tradition dictates a single girl must place 13 pins in the baptismal font. If one sticks to her finger, she will marry during the year. Events occur around the church.
Fiestas de San Juan
Bonfires and fireworks entertain in El Retiro. Call (212) 265-8822 for more information.
Retiro Park
Every Sunday in June, July and August brings music to the bandstand at Retiro Park.
July
La Virgen del Carmen
Fiesta is in chamber arrio, north of the city center.
Retiro Park
Every Sunday in June, July and August brings music to the bandstand at Retiro Park.
August
Castizo Fiestas
Traditional fiestas of San Cayetano, San Loreno and La Virgen de la Paloma in La Latia and Lavapies barrios. Call (212) 265-8822 for more information.
Retiro Park
Every Sunday in June, July and August brings music to the bandstand at Retiro Park.
September
Autumn Festival
In September and October, concerts, theater and dance performances celebrate arrival of autumn. Call (212) 265-8822 for more information.
October
Autumn Festival
In September and October, concerts, theater and dance performances celebrate arrival of autumn. Call (212) 265-8822 for more information.
November
Jazz Festivals
November brings jazz to various Madrid theaters, attracting some world-class musicians. Call (212) 265-8822 for more information.
December
New Year's Eve
Restaurants, bars and clubs throughout Madrid embrace celebrants, while bands often perform in open-air venues. Puerta del Sol is the "in" place to assemble for the stroke of midnight.
