Main festivals and calendar
A festival almost every month: when they are and what to do at each.
The essentials
- The biggest festivals are San Isidro (15 May), Holy Week, Pride and Christmas.
- 2 May is the holiday of the Community of Madrid.
- Movable dates (Holy Week, Carnival) change every year.
Approximate calendar
| When | Festival |
|---|---|
| 5 January | Three Kings Parade |
| February–March | Carnival and the Burial of the Sardine |
| March–April | Holy Week |
| 2 May | Holiday of the Community of Madrid |
| 15 May | San Isidro, patron saint of Madrid |
| Early July | Pride |
| August | Street festivals of San Cayetano, San Lorenzo and La Paloma |
| 12 October | National Day |
| 9 November | Our Lady of the Almudena, patron saint of Madrid |
| December | Christmas and markets; New Year's Eve at the Puerta del Sol |
San Isidro
On 15 May the city's patron saint is honoured with street festivals, concerts and the pilgrimage to the San Isidro meadow, where rosquillas are served. It coincides with the bullfighting fair at Las Ventas.
Dos de Mayo
It commemorates the uprising of 1808 against the French troops, with events in Plaza del Dos de Mayo, in Malasaña, and at the regional Parliament.
Verbena de la Paloma
In mid-August La Latina and Lavapiés fill up with embroidered shawls, chotis dancing and street stalls.
Holy Week
There are processions in the centre throughout the week. The times of each brotherhood are published weeks beforehand.
Pride
One of the biggest celebrations in Europe, with a parade and stages in Chueca and the centre.
Christmas
Street lights, the Christmas market in Plaza Mayor and the New Year's Eve chimes at the Puerta del Sol.
Confirm the programmes on the City Council website. To see the year at a glance: plan your trip.
Frequently asked questions
When is San Isidro?
On 15 May, Madrid's patron saint day, with street festivals and the San Isidro meadow.