Over the years a multitude of traditional festivities that defined the capital of Spain have been lost, but the good customs are those that never perish and live on the time. Madrid hasn’t lost that traditional flavor and that authenticity with which it has always lived their traditional festivities.
Which is also known as “The Villa” in the XXI century, Madrid continues celebrating these formerly festivities that date their origin a few centuries ago. In this way, it should be pointed out that three important epochs of which is reflected and breathe the tradition today:
From the eleventh century, it started the conquest by the king Alfonso VI of the Arabs and Castilian Madrid was born, introducing the same customs and also festivities. Those musical instruments are still preserved such as the arrabel or the shawm, that we can hear at the romerias and parties to the rhythm of jotas and rondones.
In the XVII century it started an epoch of esplendor thanks to Madrid Goyesco, introduced by the famous painter Francisco de Goya, taking us to his great artworks and also attractives dances with luxurious costumes.
And, it was from the mid-eighteenth century when Madrid Castizo and Chulapo was born, symbolized with chotis and the barrel organ. A tradition that, today, is lived with intensity at San Isidro days.
From Barbieri Real Estate, specialists on rental housing, we invite you to enjoy all the fun and popular festivities that the capital offers. You will have a great time because… the good never changes!
Festivities of San Isidro, from 11th to 16th of may
From 11th to 16th of may, it takes place in Madrid one of the most beloved and celebrated festivities by cats (It is how the people of Madrid is known): the festivities of San Isidro. A popular tradition that coincides also with a spring time where the good weather and the long days make us enjoy a little more.
During the festivities, streets of the capital are filled with chulapos (dressed in typical clothes in the pure Madrid Castizo style) to the sound of chotis (typical dance) and eating in honor of the saint. The festivities start with the famous passacaglia with giants and cabezudos that has celebrated 50 years since they started to be made and amenize to San Isidro kicking off the festivities.
Next to Madrid Río, is the Prairie of San Isidro, a celebration center. Here you will enjoy many activities during festivity days among which are: enjoy the music, dances and the typical recipes. In the same place, Romería is also celebrated.
But if you are one of those who enjoy the traditional delicacies at time to celebrate, we show you some of the typical recipes for the festivity of San Isidro. Among them, we find doughnuts, entresijos and gallinejas (typical spanish dishes)
This year don’t miss the festivities of San Isidro. Prepare your chulapo´s costume and…Practise the chotis!
Regional Festivity of the Community of Madrid, 2nd may
This day is a special date for all people from Madrid, now that it is celebrated the commemoration of the village uprising in 1808 against the French occupation
At the capital it is a floral offering to the heroes who fighted in that uprising, in the cemetery of La Florida through a parade in la Puerta del Sol.
During these festivities, the neighborhood of Malasaña is the undisputed protagonist. Many of his streets commemorate the tragic story that was lived (Daoís, Velarde or Manuela Malasaña). So, the neighborhood is prepared to organize the festivity by cultural activities, stores and bars that join the celebration, flamenco dances and the known “Vermú session”, celebrated the last year of 2021. .
Festivity of the Almudena, 9th november
A week after the celebration of all Saints the patron Saint of Madrid arrives to honor us with her presence. In this way, this special day is witnessed by the image of the Virgin of the Almudena, patron of Madrid, carried in procession from the cathedral of Santa Maria La Real of the Almudena (celebrating a mass first) to the Major Place.
After the procession, many people usually visit the center of the capital to take the aperitif and obviously, enjoy the most exquisite delicacies offered in the typical taverns.
And although the cold sometimes accompanies, now that the festivity of Almudena is celebrated in November, there is nothing better than enjoy of the cocido madrileño or callos.
We, from Barbieri, recommend the following places to make a reservation and enjoy these delicacies: Los Galayos, Malacatín or The tavern of la Daniela. They don´t fail!
Of course, it can’t lack a good dessert. Another of the typicities of this day comes with the sweet. The crown of the Almudena is the most popular sweet. A sweet donut filled with cream, chocolate or truffle that won’t make you indifferent.
Festivities of open-air dance of summer, from 7th to 15th August
San Cayetano, San Lorenzo y La Paloma delight the summer of Madrid with their open-air dance. During the first fortnight of august, many people of Madrid normally leave the capital to go on vacation to their second residence or that travel they have been waiting for all year. The truth is many others stay in and don’t have to be bored, considering that they enjoy one of the most popular traditions in all Spain: the open-air dances.
Traditional dances by the hands of orchestras, food stalls and drink, garlands, lights, churros, sangria, sardines and… a good boy who asks the ladies to dance.
Between August 5 and 8, the open-air dance of San Cayetano is celebrated in the neighborhoods of Embajadores and Rastro. “The movida madrileña” is concentrated in the plaza of Cascorro.
It arrives August 11 and the festivity continues with the open-air dance of San Lorenzo or the festivities of Lavapiés. The castizo environment is lived with absolute intensity, now that there are fun competitions of chotis, card championships, some procession and activities for children.
But, arriving in the neighborhood of La Latina, you get to the open-air dance of La Paloma, located in some streets; such as: la Plaza de la Paja and Las Visitillas. Outdoor stages and the streets are decorated with lights.
Come this far, your passion may not be dancing, but don’t have the slightest doubt that Madrid will take you out on the street on these important dates for you to practice and enjoy lifelong traditions because they can´t be lost. Moreover, you don’t have to worry if your feet slip because you can take a break and invite your chulapa to some good churros or a glass of sangria. The festivities of Madrid deserve your presence and you can´t let her down.
At Barbieri Real Estate, specialists on rental housing, we offer you properties in the neighborhoods of Aravaca, Chamberí and Salamanca. Discover all our offer of available apartments in Madrid
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