Madrid is Spain’s capital and is a city with diverse culture and vibrant festivals. This city is considered as the land of fiestas and celebrates different kinds of festivals and events every month of the year. These festivals not just offer entertainment but also unite the citizens of Spain together.
The most popular and probably the most important religious celebrations are held during the months of April and October. During the month of May, the Madrileños celebrate series of fiestas like Dos de Mayo, San Isidro, La Almudena, and La Paloma.
San Isidro is celebrated on May 15th with local pilgrimages, fairs, and bullfights. Meanwhile, the fiesta of the Virgin of La Paloma is celebrated after San Lorenzo and San Cayetano fiestas. During this event, parties, dances, and other popular celebrations dominate the streets of Madrid. This event, declared as a Spain’s national holiday, is usually held every 15th of August. The statue of the Virgin of La Paloma is also paraded in the streets. On the other hand, the fiesta of La Almudena, Madrid’s female patron saint, is celebrated every 9th of November.
Other fiestas observed in the city include Virgen Del Carmen, the patron saint of the sea; San Cayetano, Cascorro neighborhoods’ patron saint; San Lorenzo, Lavapies neighborhoods’ patron saint; and Madrid en Danza, the spring dance festival.Just like other Catholic countries, the city of Madrid and the rest of the towns in Spain, celebrates semana santa or Holy Week.
Madrieleños also celebrates the Carnivals, usually held at the Circulo de Bellas Artes building. During this festival, people flock the streets of Madrid in different costumes. To mark the end of this festival, a tradition of the Burial of the Sardine, also known as El Entierro de la Sardina, is observed.
Aside from these religious events, Madrileños also have their own version of St. Patrick’s Day. This is usually celebrated every March 17th in Madrid’s Irish pubs. It is becoming a traditional event in Madrid. Meanwhile, Americans who live in the city celebrate Thanksgiving Day in different restaurants, especially in Cornucupia.Cultural events held in Madrid include Veranos de la Villa. This event is organized by the city council and is observed from July to September. Other annual festivals include Festimad, a music festival usually held in Madrileño suburb; and Festival de Otoño, which exhibits the nation’s performing arts. There are also festivals that feature Spain’s theater, dance, photography, and jazz.
