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 Dress up and have fun |
Plaza Mayor Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain |
After 40 years of prohibition during the Franco era, this traditional medieval celebration sprang back to life in 1976. The festivities take place between the end of February and the beginning of March in various private institutions like the Ateneo, the Casino and the Círculo de Bellas Artes. Ash Wednesday is the finale, with the age-old ceremony of the Burial of the Sardine. A huge, good-humoured crowd gathers on Paseo de la Florida for the event. They are all dressed in mourning black as they carry the cardboard model of a sardine in its coffin to be buried. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Madrid's most traditional fiestas |
Plaza Lavapiés Madrid 28012 Spain +34 91 540 4010 |
The locals get dressed up in traditional 19th-century costume, the streets are decorated and street parties are organized with live music where everyone drinks lemonade and eats aubergine fritters. These are Madrid's popular working class celebrations that involve religious processions in the evening leaving from churches on Calle Embajadores, Calle Salitre and Calle La Paloma. They take place from the first weekend in August to the middle of the month. They start with San Cayetano's feast day around Plaza de Cascorro, followed by San Lorenzo near Plaza de Lavapi and ends with La Paloma along Calle La Paloma and Las Vistillas park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Traditional blessing of pets |
Iglesia de San Antón Hortaleza, 63 Madrid 28004 Spain |
Turn up at Church at midday on January 17 and you will witness an unusual religious tradition dating back to the 17th century. You will find a queue of people who have brought their domestic pets to be blessed by the priest. Later in the afternoon owners and pets parade several times round the church along with the statue of Saint Anthony, patron saint of animals. Traditional bread rolls are distributed as well, a popular custom that is meant to ensure that no one goes hungry in the coming year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Impressive religious celebrations |
Calle del Nuncio 14 Madrid, Madrid Spain +34 91 540 4010 |
The most spectacular part of Madrid's Easter celebrations during Semana Santa (Holy Week) are the religious processions. On Maundy Thursday, the Jess El Pobre (humble) procession sets out from San Pedro church (c/Nuncio, 15) at 7p. The popular Jess Nazareno procession leaves the Baslica de Jess de Medinacelli (Plaza de Jess, 2) at 7p on Good Friday. There's also a silent procession on Good Friday that winds its way along Calle Alcal to arrive at Puerta del Sol around 11p, bringing with it 800 participants, guards of honour and brass bands. On Holy Saturday, the procession of the Virgen Dolorosa leaves the Baslica de Jess de Medinacelli at 8a. That afternoon, the procession of Soledad sets out at 4.30p with a traditional band from the Monasterio del Corpus Christi (on Plaza Congreso de Miranda). It's worth tasting the typical sweets associated with these celebrations, called torrijas. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Ancient patron saint of Madrid |
Basílica de Atocha Madrid 28014 Spain |
On the first Sunday in October every year, the statue of the Virgen de Atocha is paraded through the streets, accompanied by the statue of Santo Domingo de Guzmn. Hundreds of faithful worshippers join the procession and appeal to the Virgin for relief from illness. This spiritual procession is a sight to behold and is free for spectators or for those who wish to join in the procession. Review © 2007, Wcities |