Events in Madrid
Veranos de la Villa
(Village Summer Festivals)
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.
Verbena de la Paloma
Festival
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.
Semana Santa
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
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.
Jazz Festival
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.
Feria de San Isidro
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.
New Year’s Eve
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.
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.
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