Mid May is the time for theatre, music and popular customs. Fiesta de San Isidro is a major event on Madrid's calendar, during which Madrilenos honour the city's patron saint, San Isidro Labrador. Visit one of the many (free) events and festivities in the city like the open air concerts, markets stocked with Spanish delicacies and musical performances. This festival also heralds the start of the bull fighting season. Spain's best bull fighters gather in Madrid to take part in the competitions which start around 19.00 p.m. on Plaza de Toros de las Ventas daily. [Read more]

Carnival is celebrated in Madrid in February. It's a real street party that explodes into action at the weekend. Grand parades and competitions are an integral part of these carnival celebrations, which attract huge numbers of locals and tourists every year. What's striking, is that apart from the children, not a single spectator dresses up. The carnival parades look fabulous. Various famous squares are included in the procession's route [Read more]

The longest day of the year and the arrival of summer are celebrated together at the end of June every year. To getinto the proper festive mood, you must go to Plaza de San Juan and/or Las Huertas. Here, people gather from all around the world especially to experience this mysterious night. The symbols of water and fire play a significant role in the festivities. That's why you'll see fire-eaters and people walking on fire, and huge bonfires of happiness blazing at Parque del Retiro. [Read more]