Don't miss out on these one-of-a-kind events that take place in Spain's capital. You'll be able to enjoy them while taking a Spanish Language Course here in Madrid.

This festival, held during the first week in August, is made up of a series of cultural events including photo and art exhibitions, operas, concerts and theatrical performances. The festival features both small, up-rising musical groups as well as internationally famous music bands, which usually perform around Plaza España. Festivities continue on through the night on Plaza Mayor.

The Verbena de la Paloma Festival is held from August 6 to 15 in the La Latina area. This festival involves some of Madrid’s best popular traditions. In the evenings bars are quickly filled with people and many free live concerts are held. Performances of traditional dances with folkloric costumes are put on and during this time Madrid takes on an almost village-like quality. The last evening sees off the festival with a spectacular firework show.

During Holy Week many church services and impressive processions take place in Madrid. Both Holy Thursday and Good Friday are official holidays here and on these days, as well as on Easter Saturday and Sunday, locals parade around the city streets, carrying religious statues, particularly of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. Those seeking penitence can often be seen wearing long robes.

Carnival has been celebrated in Madrid since Medieval times. This tradition was interrupted for many decades by General Franco, who banned the carnival since the Civil War. In 1976 this ban was lifted and ever since, the popular event is celebrated every year. On the last day of Carnival, Ash Wednesday the traditional „Entierro de la Sardina“ (The Burial of the sardine) is held on Paseo de la Florida. This marks the beginning of Lent.

Since 1970 the "Club de Música y Jazz San Juan Evangelista“ organizes the annual Jazz Festival in Madrid. In last year’s festival, jazz greats such as Chick Corea and Dizzy Gillespie delighted onlookers with their musical talent. Other festivals, such as the Flamenco Festival, are also organized by the club, the aim being to reach as many people as possible. The festival is held in late October-November and admission fees are very low.

This religious festival is held in May and honors Madrid’s patron saint. The Las Ventas bullring boasts the best bull fights of the season and many colorful street celebrations, concerts and performances brighten the city by day.

Thousands crowd to Puerta del Sol on New Year's Eve to see off the old year and welcome the new with fireworks. At midnight the Spanish tradition is to eat one grape on every strike of the clock, making a wish per grape.