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Madrid 2025 Cultural Programme
01/31/2024
Keeping up to date with Madrid’s event calendar allows you to make the most of the city through its many exciting events.
Keeping up to date with Madrid’s cultural calendar allows you to enjoy the city to the full through a range of exciting events.
In a vibrant city brimming with culture like Madrid, there’s something for everyone. From traditional festivals to sporting, musical and artistic events, you’ll never be short of things to do.
Below, we highlight some of the most notable events Madrid has in store for this year. Make a note of Madrid’s cultural calendar for 2025!
Culture and events calendar for Madrid 2025
Whether you’re a lover of art and history or prefer concerts or theatre performances, in this guide you’ll find a selection of the highlights from Madrid’s 2025 calendar.
Festivals and local events
Madrid’s cultural calendar is packed with traditional festivals that reflect Spain’s history, traditions and folklore.
- San Antón Festival (12–17 January). The lively San Antón Festival fills the streets of Madrid with processions, pet blessings and activities for the whole family.
- Madrid Carnival (1–5 March). The Carnival transforms the city into a huge parade of colours, music and extravagant costumes.
- Holy Week (11–20 April). A religious festival characterised by solemn processions, sacred music and a contemplative atmosphere. A time to immerse yourself in Madrid’s cultural and religious traditions.
- San Isidro Festival (15 May). In May, Madrid celebrates its patron saint, San Isidro, with festivals throughout the city, concerts and traditional dances. A chance to share in the joy and devotion of the people of Madrid.
- LGBTQIA+ Pride Festival (27 June – 6 July). Madrid is one of the world’s top destinations for LGBTQ+ Pride festivals. Parades, concerts and cultural events highlight the importance of inclusion and equality.
- August Festivals. Every August, the city’s neighbourhoods deck themselves out for their patron saint’s day celebrations, and Madrid’s cultural calendar is packed with street events.
- The 12 October Parade (12 October). Spain’s National Day culminates in the impressive 12 October Parade, a display of the armed forces and patriotic events.
- Almudena Festival (9 November). Celebrate the festival of Madrid’s patron saint, the Virgin of Almudena, with processions, dancing and a tasting of the traditional Corona de la Almudena.
- Christmas in Madrid (from late November to early January). The capital is decked out in lights and colour, with lively markets, Christmas illuminations and plenty of magic.
Trade fairs and exhibitions
Madrid has established itself as a leading destination for international trade fairs and exhibitions, serving as a European business hub that attracts visitors from all over the world.
- FITUR (International Tourism Fair) (22–26 January). The world’s leading tourism fair takes place every January in Madrid, attracting thousands of professionals from the tourism and travel sector.
- Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (19–23 February; September). Fashion takes centre stage at Madrid Fashion Week, where emerging and established designers showcase their most innovative creations.
- The Legend of the Titanic. Immersive exhibition (Daily). The Madrid Digital Arts Centre takes visitors back in time to offer them a first-hand experience of the shipwreck.
- Madrid Design Festival (6 February – 15 March). Explore creativity and innovation at the Madrid Design Festival, a showcase for design ranging from architecture to contemporary art.
- ARCOMadrid (5–9 March). Contemporary art takes over Madrid with ARCOMadrid, an international art fair bringing together galleries and artists from around the world.
- Harry Potter: The Exhibition (until 16 March). An interactive exhibition featuring real props from the iconic series and a behind-the-scenes look.
- Leonardo da Vinci (until 13 April). A recreation of da Vinci’s *The Last Supper* at the Nomad Immersive Museum.
- Madrid Book Fair (31 May – 16 June). One of the most important literary fairs in the Spanish-speaking world, this year it celebrates its 83rd edition in El Retiro Park.
- Open House Madrid (late September). Discover Madrid’s unique architecture with Open House, an event that gives you access to iconic buildings and the chance to learn about their history and design.
- El Greco. Santo Domingo el Antiguo (18 February – 15 June). An exhibition of the works El Greco painted for the monastery in Toledo.
Sport
Sport plays a key role in Madrid’s leisure scene. From participatory events, such as the marathon, to top-level competitions, sports fans will always find something to watch.
- Mutua Madrid Open (21 April – 4 May). Tennis fans will enjoy the Mutua Madrid Open, a tournament that brings together the world’s best players in Madrid.
- Movistar Half Marathon (6 April). Enjoy a route that takes you through the city, passing along the Paseo del Prado and other iconic landmarks of Madrid.
- Zurich Madrid Marathon (27 April). A must-attend event for running enthusiasts, featuring races over 42km, 21km and 10km.
- NFL Madrid 2025. (2025) American football is coming to the Spanish capital, which will host an NFL match featuring the Miami Dolphins at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
- Harlem Globetrotters (15 May). The basketball magicians are back in Madrid to delight audiences with their live stunts and tricks.
- La Vuelta (14 September). Spain’s biggest cycling event will finish in Madrid once again, in Plaza de Cibeles.
Music and entertainment
Madrid is a must-visit destination for major concerts, theatre productions and opera performances. It is also home to Madrid’s very own ‘Broadway’, Gran Vía, which boasts a line-up of top-class musicals.
- Concerts in Madrid 2025. The Spanish capital will host some of the best national and international artists this year. Check out the list in our article.
- Carmen (8–18 May). Bizet’s opera marks the 150th anniversary of its premiere with a commemorative tour brought to life by the Antonio Gades Company.
- La Traviata (24 June – 23 July). One of Verdi’s masterpieces comes to the Teatro Real in Madrid.
- Rio Babel Festival (4 and 5 July). This festival celebrates musical diversity, featuring dozens of artists from a range of genres and cultures within Spanish, Latin and international music.
- Mad Cool Festival (10–12 July). Mad Cool Festival has established itself as one of Europe’s leading music events, attracting renowned international bands and artists.
- Botanical Nights (6 June – 29 July). Intimate concerts in this green space featuring artists from Spain and around the world.
- Veranos de la Villa (July–August). The city comes alive with music, theatre and outdoor activities during a festival that transforms Madrid into a cultural hub.
- Sara Baras – Vuela (11 September – 12 October) The flamenco dancer presents a tribute show to the great Paco de Lucía.
- El Mago Pop – Nothing is impossible. Europe’s leading illusionist returns to Madrid following his run on Broadway with a brand-new show.
- Wicked, the musical (opening 3 October). The Broadway phenomenon that recently made the leap to the big screen is coming to Spain for the first time at the Teatro La Latina.
- JazzMadrid (November). Jazz fills the streets of Madrid with JazzMadrid, a festival that showcases the richness and diversity of this musical genre.
- Alegría – Cirque du Soleil. The Canadian company’s most iconic production returns to Madrid to mark the 25th anniversary of its Spanish premiere.
Explore Madrid’s cultural calendar at The Principal
If you’re planning to explore Madrid’s cultural and nightlife scene in 2025, we invite you to stay at our 5-star hotel on Gran Vía, situated on one of the city centre’s most central avenues.
At The Principal Madrid, you’ll find a luxurious urban retreat featuring elegant décor and the most exclusive services at your disposal. We invite you to visit our Ático restaurant, which serves authentic, timeless Spanish cuisine. In the hotel’s wellness area, you can stick to your fitness routine or enjoy a massage or relaxing treatment.
Book your stay at The Principal Madrid!
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