Festivities of the Virgen de la Almudena in Madrid

Every year, Madrid dresses up every 9th of November to pay homage to its patron saint: the Virgin of the Almudena.

This virgin, so loved and venerated by the people of Madrid, has been the patron saint since ancient times. According to legend, in the 11th century the Christians reconquered the city and when a section of the wall collapsed, they uncovered the statue of this beautiful virgin, which had been hidden for several centuries.

You are cordially invited to enjoy the Fiestas de la Virgen de la Almudena in Madrid, which are celebrated every 9th November.

What are the Fiestas of the Virgin of La Virgen de la Almudena in Madrid?

The Fiestas of the Virgin of the Almudena in Madrid are one of the main festivities of the capital of Spain, in which the patron saint of the city of Madrid is honoured: the Virgin of the Almudena. Liturgical and religious events are held to commemorate the discovery of this virgin in the year 1085.

How is the Virgen de la Almudena celebrated?

In the days leading up to the celebration of this great popular festival, the cathedral of Santa María la Real de la Almudena hosts the traditional triduum in honour of the Virgin of La Almudena. On 9 November, the High Mass is held in honour of the patron saint in the cathedral.

At the end of the Eucharist, a procession takes place towards the Plaza Mayor of Madrid with the image of the Virgin of the Almudena, with the participation of a group of 80 "anderos" from the brotherhood of Jesús el Pobre, who take turns to carry the image of the Virgin on their shoulders.

Another fundamental element of these festivities is the solidarity floral offering, which takes place in the Plaza de la Almudena.

After these religious acts, the festivities in honour of the Virgen de la Almudena begin: concerts with the Municipal Symphonic Band and the Orfeón Sociedad Conciertos del Ayuntamiento de Madrid (Madrid City Council Concert Society Choral Society).

It is a tradition to eat the typical Madrid dessert known as Corona de la Almudena.

Origins of the celebration of the Virgen de la Almudena festivities in Madrid

Pope Pius X declared the Virgin of the Almudena as the Patron Saint of Madrid, by decree in August 1908. He fixed the celebration of this feast day on 9 November, to commemorate the date on which the image of the Virgin was found on the city wall in 1085.

What else can you see in Madrid?

Madrid has a wide range of options for strolling around and discovering places and monuments of historical and cultural interest. Here are some of them:

• Almudena Cathedral Museum: its interior reflects the history of the Diocese of Madrid. It has a spectacular viewpoint to admire the panoramic view of the city of Madrid.
• Prado National Museum:Possibly the most complete museum of European painters between the 15th and 18th centuries, and of Spanish painting up to the 19th century.
• Royal Palace of Madrid: this building is the official residence of the kings of Spain and is considered a National Heritage Site.
• Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art: known as the Art Walk, it is made up of the most important art museums in Spain: the Prado Museum, the
• Reina Sofia Museum and the Thyssen Museum.
• El Retiro Park: located in the centre of Madrid, it is considered a UNESCO cultural heritage site. It has about 125 hectares, surrounded by more than 15 000 trees.
• The Plaza Mayor.
• CaixaForum Madrid: magnificent cultural centre, widely known for its temporary exhibitions and its impressive vertical garden.

Madrid's gastronomy

We invite you to taste the best of Madrid's typical gastronomy:

Bartolillos: they are a typical dessert in Madrid, especially at Easter. It is a triangular-shaped fried dough, filled with custard and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon.
Besugo a la madrileña: delicious dish of baked sea bream (fish) with a mixture of breadcrumbs, lemon, garlic and parsley. It is served on a potato and onion base.
Callos a la madrileña: dish prepared with veal tripe, chorizo, black pudding, bacon, pig's trotters and chilli pulp.
Caracoles a la madrileña: snails cooked in a sauce with a spicy flavour, prepared with meat stock and sausages.
Cocido madrileño: dish made with chickpeas, blood sausage, bacon, beef knee bone, fresh chorizo, chicken and potatoes.
Corona de La Almudena: a ring-shaped pastry filled with cream, truffle or chocolate, a dessert dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

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