Expert recommendations of the top events—with tips on how to best experience these celebrations.
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San Isidro
May. Fighting a bull in Madrid is the matador’s equivalent to performing a solo on Broadway. The festivals of San Isidro draw the world’s best matadors, Spain’s fiercest bulls, and thousands of passionate fans for three weeks of nightly corridas; there are also street parties, fireworks, and parades.
Orgullo Gay
Late June/early July. One of the biggest gay pride events in Europe and Madrid’s wildest party; Barrio Chueca becomes a massive outdoor fiesta with concerts, drag shows, world-famous DJs, parades, and two million-plus revelers.
Fiestas de San Cayetano, San Lorenzo y La Paloma
First half of August. With half of the city away on vacation, the other half enjoys this series of wild parties in three of Madrid’s most traditional barrios; food stalls, live music, and dancing in the streets until dawn.
Festival de Otoño
October to November. Singularly converts Madrid into a cultural reference point for Europe; dozens of top international theater, dance, and circus companies perform more than 100 shows throughout the city.
La Trashumancia—Sheep Crossing
First Sunday in November. Old and new Madrid come together as dozens of traditionally attired shepherds herd hundreds of sheep to their winter grazing grounds—going right through downtown Madrid.
