Madrid celebrates this Monday, November 9, the feast day of its patroness, the Virgen de la Almudena, with a day that combines religious tradition, music, and gastronomy. The main events will take place in the surroundings of the Catedral de la Almudena and the Plaza Mayor, where the solemn Mass, the procession, and the making of the traditional Corona de la Almudena will be carried out.
This year’s celebration has the motto «Alcemos juntos la mirada» and is organized by the Archidiócesis de Madrid, with the collaboration of the Ayuntamiento. The program runs from November 6 to 10, although on Monday the central events of the festivities are concentrated.
Solemn Mass and procession through the center of Madrid
The day will begin at 11:00 a.m. with a solemn Eucharistic celebration on the esplanade of the Catedral de la Almudena, presided over by the archbishop of Madrid, Cardinal José Cobo. During the ceremony, the mayor of the capital, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, will renew the traditional Voto de la Villa.
At the end of the Mass, the image of the Virgin will go out in procession through the streets of the center. The route will start at the Cathedral and continue along Bailén and Mayor streets, Santiago street, Plaza de Santiago, Plaza de Ramales, and Requena street, before returning to the temple.
From 11:30 a.m., different groups from Madrid will offer performances in the Plaza de la Villa while they wait for the image to pass. The procession is one of the central moments of the celebration and each year brings together numerous faithful people and visitors.
The Corona de la Almudena, the star in the Plaza Mayor
Gastronomy will also play a prominent role during the day. Starting at 12:30 p.m., the Plaza Mayor will host the preparation of a large Corona de la Almudena, the traditional sweet created in 1978 in homage to Madrid’s patroness.
The Asociación de Cocineros y Reposteros de Madrid (ACYRE) will be in charge of its preparation and the free distribution of around 1,000 servings among attendees, until supplies run out.
The plaza’s program will be completed with performances of goyesca zarzuela, chotis, and pasodobles between 12:00 and 14:00. In the afternoon, from 17:00 to 19:00, there will be goyescos dances, Castilian dances, and showcases of Madrid folklore.
The floral offering will continue until Tuesday
The traditional floral and charitable offering to the Virgin of la Almudena is also part of this year’s events. After being held over the weekend, it will continue on Monday, November 9, between 15:00 and 20:00 hours, with access to the Cathedral via Calle Bailén.
The offering will run until Tuesday, October 10. That day, schools may participate between 9:00 and 17:00 hours, while the offering by the general public will continue from 17:00 to 20:00 hours.