Fiesta de la Virgen de la Paloma
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The
Lowdown: A tradition dating back to the 18th century, this festival is yet another excuse to party for those remaining in Madrid during this hot summer month. The streets of La Latina and Lavapiés, Vistillas, La Paloma and Calle Toledo, trendy Plaza de la Paja and Plaza de los Carros show the remnants of Madrid's village spirit. In every small town in Spain, the central square is decorated, bars and food stalls are set up, and music is played—sometimes for dancing and other times for traditional local dance performances. Madrid's celebration is essentially the same, but on a larger scale. Streets are decorated with streamers and lights, community groups dress in traditional costume and give performances of the "Chotis," a traditional dance form local to Madrid, in Las Vistillas. The festival reaches its religious climax on the 15th, with the street procession led by the Virgin Mary's effigy on a platform. The religious element is entirely absent in the street parties taking place in Lavapiés, where a live-music stage, makeshift outdoor bars, carnival game stalls, and the requisite fiesta food carts all set up along Calle Argumosa. But the main draw is really the outdoor party atmosphere that overtakes the entire street for the week. It’s locally known as the Fiestas de Lavapiés—where the party itself, rather than the Holy Virgin, is celebrated. If you can get a table here at any bar, grab it.
When:August 11-15. Free, except for the mojitos.
Where: Old Madrid
Contact: esmadrid.com |
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