Every year, at the beginning of November, Madrid dresses up in colour and music to celebrate the festival of its patron saint, La Almudena.
These are days when the city fills up with concerts, religious events, family events and a host of activities around the Virgin.
In this article we tell you about the best activities you can enjoy during the upcoming Almudena Festival in Madrid, a few days full of plans!
When is Almudena Day in Madrid?
The Almudena Festival in Madrid is celebrated every year on the 9th of November, which is the official date of the patron saint.
However, activities, concerts and religious events in honour of La Almudena are organised both before and after the official day, so you have several days to enjoy it!
What to do during La Almudena in Madrid?
Among the plans you can enjoy during La Almudena Festival there are options for everyone. From religious offerings to go with the whole family, free concerts for adults and plans for those with a sweet tooth, there is a variety of entertainment at your disposal:
Attending the events in honour of the Virgin of Almudena
One of the central events of Madrid's Fiesta de la Almudena is the traditional floral offering in the Plaza de la Amudena, which takes place on the eve, 8 November. During this event, the people of Madrid bring flowers and non-perishable foodstuffs which are then donated.
On the 9th, the High Mass takes place at 11 am in the Plaza de la Almudena, between the Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace, presided over by the Archbishop of Madrid. After the ceremony, the Procession of the Virgin begins through the streets of Madrid, which runs through the centre of the capital until it returns to the cathedral.
The Feast of La Almudena is also an opportunity to attend the free concerts of the Municipal Symphonic Band of Madrid and the Orfeón that are organised every year, an ideal activity for classical music lovers!
Taste Madrid's gastronomy and sweets
After visiting the Cathedral, another of the things to do during La Almudena in Madrid is to eat the Corona de la Almudena, a delicious custard-filled sweet that you can find in the windows of all the pastry shops in Madrid.
As well as being the patron saint of Madrid, La Almudena protects the professionals of the confectioners' guild, so it is a sweet that they prepare with special affection. You can find the traditional cream version, but also some crowns filled with cream or truffle. Visit the traditional Pastelería La Mallorquina or the Pan.Delirio bakery and try the best handmade crowns.
As it will start to get cold in Madrid in November, you can also take the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Madrid stew or “cocido” in some of the city's historic taverns.
Cultural visits
The Almudena Festival is also a good opportunity to visit some of Madrid's museums and exhibitions. Of course, you can't miss the Almudena Cathedral Museum, which allows you to visit the various rooms of the cathedral, contemplate the religious objects in honour of the Virgin and climb up to the dome with excellent views of the city centre.
It is also a perfect opportunity to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, located just opposite the cathedral, which offers a journey through the history of Spain through its monarchs. With more than 3,000 rooms including the impressive Royal Armoury and a magnificent Painting Gallery, the Royal Palace is a must-see if you're in Madrid during La Almudena Festival.
Celebrate La Almudena Festival in Madrid
After a day celebrating Fiesta de La Almudena in Madrid you will find a place to relax at The Bar, a place where you can have a good drink and listen to music in a quiet atmosphere.
Located in the Hotel Único Madrid, here you can enjoy classic cocktails or with a twist from our mixologist, as well as an extensive list of Spanish wines and beers.
Our 5-star hotel in Madrid is a true oasis of peace in the Spanish capital. We invite you to stay at our hotel in the Salamanca neighbourhood, one of the most exclusive areas of the city, from where you can travel to the Almudena Cathedral and the rest of the tourist attractions in the centre of Madrid.
