The Best Fiestas Of Madrid
There is always something going on in Madrid. Famous for fantastic nightlife, thriving music scene, and relaxed pace of life, the residents of Madrid also enjoy a variety of annual festivals. These fiestas celebrate local history and culture, and offer visitors unique insights into Spanish life and culture. Here are some of the best fiestas in Madrid:
Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos and Festividad de los Reyes Magos
During the holiday season, the parade of the Three Kings is one of the favorite events for young and old. On January 5th, the parade of the three wise men begins at San Juan de la Cruz and winds through the city to Cibeles Square. The wise men receive letters from children along the way, and the procession ends with fireworks and celebration. The following day, good children will have received small gifts placed into their shoes by the Magi, or bad children receive lumps of coal. The eve of Epiphany is one of the highlights of the Christmas season in Madrid, and it’s fun for the whole family.
Las Fiestas de San Isidro
Early May is when Madrid celebrates San Isidro, its patron saint. The whole city comes alive for this early summer event, with activities taking place throughout the city center. Marked by a traditional parade, nightly music in Plaza Mayor, a festival of Spanish dance, nightly music in Las Vistillas gardens, nightly music (again!) at the Temple of Debod, nightly bullfights, children’s workshops and games, fireworks, and more. 2018 saw the addition of a chocolate party and a ceramics fair, just to add to the festivity and celebrate the city. However, the heart of the fiesta is at San Isidro Park, with music and dance, traditional food and dress, and the annual tradition of drinking from San Isidore’s fountain and honoring the saint. This festival is an unforgettable few days where Madrid celebrates its history and culture and, yes, shows off a little bit to start the summer.
Fiestas del Orgullo Gay
Madrid celebrates Gay Pride in style, and is widely considered to be the capital of LGBTIQ in Europe. We Pride is celebrated annually for several days in late June through early July, in parks and plazas all over the city, with music, dancing, sports, film, theater, and, of course, a parade. Madrid celebrates the gay community as part of the broad freedom, inclusion, and diversity of the city as a whole, and also uses the time as a platform to advance human rights around the world. Much more than just a party, We Pride in Madrid is a force to be reckoned with.
Fiestas de la Virgen de la Paloma
August is full of fiestas in Madrid, with the fiesta of San Cayetano followed by San Lorenzo. The third one, fiestas de la Virgen de la Paloma, lights up the La Latina neighborhood with one of the most popular summer parties in the city. The streets of the neighborhood are given to a huge block party, where cafes spill music and festival goers onto the streets, lined with attractions, games, concerts, dancing, traditional foods and clothing, and relaxed residents making the most of the end of summer. Even for locals who don’t celebrate the religious aspects of the festival, the atmosphere is vibrant and enjoyable late into the nights. Fiestas de la Virgen de la Paloma is particularly prized for being so local and celebrating not just the city, but La Latina neighborhood, inviting people to connect with each other and bond as a community.
There’s never a shortage of things to do in Madrid, but these festivals are particularly special and prized by locals. It’s worth going out of your way to visit these unique cultural showcases and make them a part of your trip.
