Recurring events and fairs
El Rastro
This sprawling flea market fills the streets of La Latina every Sunday, offering everything from antiques and vintage clothing to books, vinyl records, and quirky souvenirs.
The atmosphere is lively, with street performers, cafés spilling onto sidewalks, and locals mingling with curious visitors. It’s an iconic Madrid experience and a bit of a sensory overload of sound, smell, and colour.
Mercado de Los Motores
The Railway Museum (Museo del Ferrocarril) in Delicias hosts the Mercado de Motores on the second weekend of each month. With old locomotives separating stands, the setting is unique and charmingly nostalgic.
There’s so much to browse, buy, and taste. Inside stalls are brimming with antiques, crafts, fashion, vinyl, and collectables. Outside tables provide somewhere to kick back surrounded by gourmet food trucks, drinks and live music. It’s a perfect spot for treasure hunters, culture lovers, and anyone looking for a stylish, laid-back weekend experience in Madrid.
Mercado Productores
Less for socialising and more for finding top-tier produce, the Mercado Productores (Madrid Producers Market) takes place on the first Saturday of each month on Paseo de Puerta del Ángel near El Lago in the Casa de Campo. Here you can source local produce and artesanal goods more directly from Madrid growers.
Annual events and festivities
Cabalgata de Reyes (January)
On January 5th, Madrid’s magical Three Kings Parade, with floats and sweets thrown to children, marks the highlight of Christmas in Spain.
Semana Santa/Holy Week (March/April)
From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, processions take place through the historic centre with religious images, bands, and a solemn atmosphere.
Tamborrada (April)
On Easter Monday, a drumming festival fills Plaza Mayor.
Dos de Mayo (May)
On May 2nd, celebrations in Malasaña’s Plaza del Dos de Mayo commemorate Madrid’s 1808 uprising against French troops.
San Isidro Festival (May)
The city’s patron saint fiesta takes place around May 15th, with festivals and concerts taking place across the city, particularly in the Pradera de San Isidro and Las Vistillas.
Madrid Pride (June/July)
One of Europe’s biggest Pride celebrations takes place in late June or early July around the Chueca area.
Mad Cool Festival (July)
The city’s premier international music festival takes place in mid-July, drawing famed rock, pop, and electronic music artists to Madrid.
Veranos de la Villa (July–August)
A summer programme of concerts, theatre, film screenings, and cultural events across the city.
Cine de Verano (July–August)
Outdoor film screenings are shown at open-air cinemas across Madrid’s parks, including Parque de la Bombilla and Matadero. Often paired with food stalls and live entertainment.
Batalla Naval de Vallecas (July)
A playful neighbourhood water fight or “naval battle” takes place in Vallecas around 16–20 July, where locals soak each other with buckets and hoses.
San Cayetano (August)
Streets in Lavapiés are dressed with paper garlands while music and dancing take place around August 7th.
San Lorenzo (August)
A few days later, on August 10th, the partying resumes in Lavapiés/Embajadores with food stalls and more music.
La Paloma Festival (August)
The most famous summer fiesta, with fireworks, tapas, and dancing until dawn in La Latina on August 15th.
Fiestas de la Virgen de la Almudena (September)
Religious celebrations for one of Madrid’s patron saints take place in early September.
Transhumance Festival (October)
Hundreds of sheep and shepherds parade through central Madrid (Cibeles and Gran Vía), following ancient migration routes. Usually takes place in late October.
Tapapiés (October)
Multicultural tapas festival in Lavapiés with live music, dance, and local gastronomy. Over 100 bars in the neighbourhood sell a drink and a tapa for a discounted deal (in recent years it has been €3.50).
Festival de Otoño (October–November)
The Autumn Festival sees prestigious international theatre, dance, and music events across the city.
All Saints’ Day (November)
Cemeteries and bakeries fill with tradition, including huesos de santo marzipan sweets starting on the first day of November.
Christmas Markets (December)
Christmas markets can be found around the city, with the biggest in Plaza Mayor.
Nochevieja (December)
Thousands gather in Puerta del Sol to eat 12 grapes at the 12 chimes of midnight, a tradition for good luck.