"Dance in the Field" - Engrawing by end 18th century.

The traditional celebrations of Madrid, which in the last few years were recovered by the citizens, with the wholehearted help of the City Council, are without doubt one of the most active and agreeable elements of the city, in the course of the year. These celebrations, take place in the streets and squares.

• January
  - The Three Wisemen Parade - January 5th.
  - Saint Antón - On the 17th. Curious, traditional blessing of animals in front of Saint Antón's church.

• February
  - Patron Saint celebrations - in the San Blas area . February 3rd.
  - Carnival - These old celebrations have happily been recovered and are held with outstanding joy and participation, in the whole city. The most characteristic element of the Madrid carnival is without doubt the so-called Burial of the Sardine ("Entierro de la Sardina") on Ash Wednesday.

• March-April
  - Holy Week - Without being as spectacular as in Andalusia, Madrid celebrates Holy Week with solemnity.
  - Our Lady of Valverde - Patron Saint celebrations in the Fuencarral area. From April 25th until May 4th.

• May
  - Spring celebrations - Traditional celebrations in the Hortaleza area, in the first fortnight.
  - 2nd May celebrations - Around the Dos de Mayo and Las Comendadoras Squares, steeped in history, the people of Madrid celebrate the uprising , which started off the War of Independence, in 1808.
  - Saint Isidro - In the week of May 15th, Madrid celebrates its patron saint day. Popular celebrations, swanks and music take place all over the city and are introduced traditionally by reading a typical announcement. Apart from the very different activities programmed for these days, the people of Madrid find an excuse for celebrations, joy and entertainment. Gastronomic competitions, concerts, music for young people, theatre, art and crafts fairs, popular celebrations, dances and bullfights, provide a whole range of possibilities to enjoy the great Madrid celebration.

• June
  - Saint Peter - From 25th to 31st, celebrations in the Carabanchel area, the Prosperidad and San Cristobal de los Angeles areas.
  - Aluche celebrations - From May 28th until June 5th.
  - Saint John - Celebrations in the Batán area from 24th to 28th; in the Retiro area from 20th to 26th, and in the Manoteras area from 22nd to 28th.
  - Saint Anthony of the Florida - Patron saint celebrations in the Moncloa area next to the Hermitage of the Saint; between 9th and 13th.
  - The Europe Park celebrations - Celebrations in this area between May 30th and June 14th.
  - Summer celebrations - In the south-east Palomeras area, from 24th to 28th.

• July
  - The Carmelite Virgin - Celebrations in honor of this patron saint in several areas of Madrid.
  - The Eagles Holidays - From 1st to 10th, celebrations in this Madrid area.
  - Tetuán de las Victorias - Celebrations in this area.

• August
  - Saint Lawrence, Saint Cayetano, the Virgin of the Paloma - Patron saint celebrations in the Centro area, from 6th to 15th.
  - The Entrevías's Holidays - From 6th to 15th, in this area.

• September
  - Neighborhood celebrations - In the Goya area, from 5th to 7th.
  - Neighborhood celebrations - In the Lucero area, from 17th to 20th.
  - Neighborhood celebrations - in the Useras area. In the first fortnight.
  - Autumn Celebrations - In the Chamartín area on 29th, the day of Saint Michael, the patron saint of the area.
  - Neighborhood celebrations - In Canillejas area, from 4th to 11th.
  - Celebrations of the Melonera - They take place in La Arganzuela area, between 3rd and 11th. The date from the 17th. century.
  - The Virgin of the Merced - Patron saint celebrations of the Ciudad Lineal area, from 20th to 28th.
  - Neighborhood celebrations - In La Elipa area, from 11th to 15th.

• October
  - The Pilar - Patron saint celebrations of the Orcasitas and El Pilar areas and of the Salamanca district, from 8th to 12th.

• November
  - The Almudena - On the 9th of this month, Madrid commemorates the Day of Our Lady of the Almudena, the official patron saint of the City, after whom the cathedral of Madrid is named.

• December
  - Christmas - Over all a family celebration, Christmas in Madrid turns into an urban celebration with the streets full of light, the traditional Christmas market - especially the one on the Plaza Mayor - and the crowded Good-bye to the Old Year on the Puerta del Sol, at midnight on the 31st.

Copyright © 1998 - 1999 by JLL & JRP

All rights reserved.