Madrid’s Top 10 : Religious and Cultural Fiestas – Top 10 Celebratory Cakes

New Year’s Eve

To
be among the crowds on the Puerta del Sol on the most exciting night of
the year is an unforgettable experience. On the stroke of midnight join
the revellers in observing the custom of swallowing grapes, one after
each chime. Bags of grapes and bottles of sparkling wine are sold from
stalls nearby.

• 31 Dec

Epiphany

Rounding off the Christmas festivities is the Cabalgata de Reyes
(procession of the kings). Floats parade along Calle Alcalá, through
Puerta del Sol, ending in Plaza Mayor. The three kings are played by
local politicians.

• 5 Jan

Carnival

The
fun begins the weekend before Shrove Tuesday with fancy dress
competitions, brass bands, and a procession followed by a spectacular
show on Plaza Mayor. Ash Wednesday is marked by the “Burial of the
Sardine”. The mock funeral procession leaves from the church of San
Antonio de la Florida and ends with interment in the Casa del Campo.

• Feb

Holy Week

The
three days leading up to Easter are marked by solemn religious
processions. On Holy Thursday the image of Jesus is carried through the
city by penitents wearing the traditional purple hoods and chains around
their feet. The following evening is the procession of Jesús de
Medinacelli which leaves from the basílica of the same name before
winding its way around the city centre.

• Mar/Apr

San Isidro

The feast day of Madrid’s patron saint is celebrated with a procession to the Ermita de San Isidro. Madrileños dress up in traditional costumes and picnic on rosquillas. There is also a fair, brass bands and sports events. San Isidro also marks the beginning of the bull-fighting season.

• 15 May

Veranos de la Villa

The
Summer Arts Festival is a season of concerts (pop, classical,
flamenco), theatre productions, ballets and films, featuring
international as well as Spanish artists. Venues range from major
theatre and concert halls to the Centro Cultural Conde Duque.

• Jul–Sep

Neighbourhood Festivals

Each neighbourhood (barrio)
organizes its own celebrations to mark local red-letter days. These
range from the blessing of pets in the church of San Antón, Calle
Hortaleza (17 January) to Chinese New Year in Lavapiés (end of January,
early February).

Festival de Otoño

This
major cultural festival promotes the arts with an ambitious programme
of dance music, drama and film. Events are held in venues across the
city.

• Mid-Oct–mid-Nov

Virgen de la Almudena

On
the Feast of the Virgin of Almudena, the image of the patroness of
Madrid is carried in procession through the centre of the city, followed
by mass in the cathedral which bears her name .

• 9 Nov

Christmas Crib Fair

The Christmas Fair on Plaza Mayor has more than 100 booths, selling cribs (belenes), crib figures, trees and decorations. The official crib is housed outside the Casa de la Carnicería.

• 1 Dec–6 Jan

Roscón de Reyes

Circular brioches flavoured with almonds and candied fruit. Usually contain a small charm.

• 6 Jan

Panecillos de San Antonio

These small rolls marked with a cross are served at the Church of San Antonio.

• 13 Jun

Torrijas

These are slices of milk-soaked bread which have been fried and laced with cinnamon and sugar.

• Holy Week

Monas de Pascua

Very sweet brioches which are, rather strangely, eaten with hard-boiled eggs.

• Holy Week

Rosquillas del santo

Small
doughnuts with a variety of flavours and bizarre names – “the fool”,
“the intelligent one” and “Santa Clara” are just some of them.

• 15 May

Suspiros de modistillas

“Needlewomen’s sighs” are meringues filled with praline.

• 13 Jun

Huesos de santo

Marzipan sweets sculpted to look like “saints’ bones”.

• 1 Nov

Buñuelos de viento

Small profiteroles filled with cream, custard or chocolate.

• 1 Nov

Turrón

Nougat, hard or soft, and made in various flavours.

• Christmas

Polvorones

“Crumbly” biscuits flavoured with cinnamon and almonds.

• 
  Christmas