What's On in Madrid

The Spanish capital’s annual events calendar is filled with everything from traditional religious parades to cutting-edge arts festivals and one of the biggest pride parades in Europe.

Whether visiting for a weekend break or making a permanent move to the city, knowing what’s on in Madrid is certainly worth it. 

Annual events in Madrid

Cavalcade of Magi (January)

Also called the King’s Day Parade or the Cavalcade of the Three Kings, the Three Wise Men's parade occurs on the night before the Christian Feast of the Epiphany. A parade of 'kings' on carriages can be seen tossing endless amounts of sweets to the children and adults following the procession. The parade takes place between El Retiro Park and Plaza Mayor. A children’s theatre programme also accompanies the event.

Madrid Carnival (February)

The Madrid Carnival takes place the week before the start of Lent as a final display of excess. The Madrid Carnival features parades, fancy dress and a concert in the Plaza Mayor, and is a wonderful showcase of Madrilenian culture.

Festimad (April/May)

An annual event since 1994, Festimad is a two-week music festival that takes place on various stages throughout the city, and showcases around 50 local and international entertainers, as well as new up-and-coming talent.   

Fiesta de San Isidro (May)

A week-long festival in celebration of the patron saint of labourers, this festival sees carnival parades, music concerts, dances and other lavish and colourful events happening mostly around the Plaza Mayor area.

Madrid Gay Pride (June/July)

A week-long event towards the end of June, and ending on the first Saturday of July, Madrid Gay Pride attracts more than a million people from across the globe every year and is, according to the organisers, the biggest gay pride parade in Europe. Attendees of all kinds enjoy dressing up and watching a variety of performances, before the big parade, which is the festival's culmination.

Los Verano de la Villa (July to August)

Translating to 'summer in the city', this enormous festival showcases theatre, music, dance, circus performances, film, poetry readings and more at venues across Madrid. The organisers make a point of catering to a range of tastes, so there should be something for every expat to enjoy.

Suma Flamenca (October)

The Suma Flamenca is an annual month-long festival of flamenco, the traditional Spanish dance. The summit has a busy programme that includes flamenco singing and dancing events, as well as guitar-playing at venues throughout the city.

Festival de Otono de Madrid (November)

This month-long festival heralds the onset of autumn and has been in operation since 1984. Attendees can expect to be entertained by local and international theatre, dance and music events throughout the city.

Madrid Jazz Festival (November/December)

A month-long jazz festival featuring international and Spanish jazz performances, jazz-related films and more – this world-class festival is a must for jazz lovers the world over.