Spain’s towns and villages are very attached to their festivals and traditions. We offer a panorama of major celebrations.
Information that can come in handy when planning a trip around a local festival to enjoy an unforgettable atmosphere, or to better understand the history of a region.
Madrid is a city rich in tradition and popular festivals. Here are some of the most famous:
La Semana Santa: Holy Week is a religious festival that takes place every year in Spain, and is particularly important in Madrid. During this week, processions of penitents parade through the city streets, carrying religious statues and candles.
Feria de San Isidro: Held every year in May, this festival is dedicated to Madrid’s patron saint, San Isidro. It includes processions, dance and music performances, and bullfights.
La Paloma Festival: This festival takes place in August and is dedicated to the Virgen de la Paloma, Madrid’s patron saint. During this festival, the streets come alive with music concerts, traditional dances and processions.
La Noche de San Juan: This festival takes place on June 23, St. John’s Day, and marks the start of summer. On this night, the people of Madrid gather around bonfires to celebrate the summer solstice.
La Navidad: Christmas is a very important holiday in Madrid, celebrated with spectacular street lighting, traditional Christmas markets and religious processions.
These festivities and traditions are all opportunities to discover the culture and life of the people of Madrid. Whether you’re a fan of religious festivals, bullfighting or traditional music, you’re bound to find a festival to suit your taste in Madrid.
