Madrid City Guide - Special Events

Reyes Magos (Epiphany), Jan, marked by a procession of the ‘the kings' with commercial floats, city centre
Carnaval (Carnival), Feb, procession, masked ball and cultural events, culminating in the ritual Burial of the Sardine in the church of San Antonio de la Florida, Plaza Mayor
Semana Santa (Holy Week), week leading to Easter, solemn religious processions and services, throughout the city
Fiesta del 2 de Mayo (Festival of 2 May), 2 May, marks the day when Madrid rose up against the French in 1808, with films, poetry recitals, concerts and dance, various venues
Festival Flamenco Cajamadrid, May, Flamenco dancing competition, Teatro Albéniz, Calle de la Paz 11
San Isidro, May, commemoration of Madrid's patron saint with procession to the church of San Isidoro, open-air dance performances, theatre productions, zarzuela, pop and rock concerts and sports competitions, Pradera de San Isidoro and various other venues
Gay Pride, festival culminates in a parade through the Retiro, Sol and Casa de Campo districts, last week in Jun, other events in Chueca district (website: www.gaypridemadrid.com)
Veranos de la Villa (Summer in the City), Jul-Aug, cultural events, various venues
Festival de Otoño (Autumn Festival), Oct-Nov, Madrid's most important annual arts festival, various venues
Feria de Artesania (Advent Craft Fair), Dec, Paseo de Recoletos
Natividad (Christmas), Dec, Christmas and New Year celebrations, Plaza Mayor
Nochevieja (New Year's Eve), 31 Dec, crowds gather to eat grapes and drink champagne, Puerta del Sol