Festivals and Holidays in Madrid
Introduction
Madrid is not only the capital of Spain but it also plays host to a magnitude of exciting activities and you can have your chance to get involved whether you are in the thick of it in summer or wrapped up warm for the winter. This section goes into a little detail into what you can expect on a monthly basis so why not take a look and see what takes your fancy depending on your time in Madrid. As the rest of Spain the origins of the festivals can vary greatly but a good majority of them relate back to some religious context or myth that has carried on into becoming a tradition over the years. So without anymore delay check out some of the fun to be had during your time in Madrid.
´Here is a rundown of the top festivals for each month, so if one catches your fancy you can take a look in a little more detail.
- January- Cabalgata de Reyes (sweet are given to children and it is for the arrival of the thress wise men) The three kings (Melchior, Gaspar, Baltasar) candies are handed out to the children, it is said that when the festivals commense the good children as mentioned but those who don't will recieve coal (though this is a rare occurance)
- Feburary- Carnival (the burial of the sardine festival, three day party where people dress up)
- March- Jazz Festival, The jazz festival in Madrid is always a popular event and it has been the 26th edition in 2009 it has a great range of acts that attracts a big crowd.
- April- Mozart Festival (April-June) It has been said as the benchmark of the europe opera circuit, its a week of performances where a total of 34 concerts occur which are in different languages. Previous headliners include violin player Giuliano Carmignola and it has had a lot of funding to make it the event it is today.
- May- Madrid day, The celebration that celebrates the rebellion against Napoleon and there are several concerts going on ranging from classical to some rock which keeps everyone entertained.
- June (San Antonio de la Florida, Its a great party which occurs during the summer, it was originally for the patron saint of seam stresses where single girls would have 13 pins in the baptismal font of the hermitage. If any of those stuck into a girls finger then she would be married by the next year.
- August- Verbenas (outdoor fun times) It's in hommage to the patron saint and is held four times a year which is especially good for the parties during the summer.
- September- Pasalera Cibeles (fashion show) Its one of the best ways for the fashion to get noticed based in Madrid, it lasts for two weeks and it occurs every two years. It has some of the hottest fashion which is entertainment for your eyes.
- October- Opera and ballet, Teatro Real hosts this event where many classical performances take place along with some great ballet.
- November- International Jazz festival
- December- Christmas fair, New years eve, In plaza mayor there are a number of stalls and entertainment going on which is great fun for all ages.
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