Madrid celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of La Almudena 2026, with a schedule that will run until Tuesday 10 November and that includes concerts, folk performances, religious activities, and food proposals. The big day will be the Monday 9 November, local holiday in the capital, when about 1,000 portions of the traditional Crown of La Almudena will be given out free of charge in Plaza Mayor.
The program combines religious celebrations in honor of Madrid’s patroness with cultural activities in different spaces around the city. Among the proposals, the musical cycle "Patronas" stands out, with performances in more than 20 venues, the zarzuela concerts, and shows of traditional music and dancing.
Program of the Almudena festivities 2026: dates, times, and activities
The activities take place from 5 to 10 November, with proposals for different audiences and a prominent presence of live music.
Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa will be two of the main settings for the popular celebrations, while the Cathedral of La Almudena will host part of the religious and musical events.
Source: Madrid City Hall. Program of the Almudena festivities 2026. Schedules may be subject to changes.
Where to get the Crown of La Almudena for free on Monday 9 November
One of the most anticipated food-related activities will take place on Monday 9 November, at 12:30, in Plaza Mayor, where about 1,000 free portions of the Crown of La Almudena will be distributed, until supplies run out.
The Crown of La Almudena is a bun of dough similar to that of the roscón, usually decorated with almond and that can be found with different fillings, such as cream, custard, or truffle. Unlike the roscón de Reyes, it does not contain a fava bean or a surprise inside.
The lineup will allow you to taste for free this typical November sweet in one of the capital’s most emblematic spaces.
Conciertos de la Almudena 2026: music in more than 20 venues in Madrid
The musical program includes the cycle "Patronas", dedicated to bands and artists led by women, with concerts distributed across more than 20 venues in the capital.
These performances are joined by proposals for classical music and zarzuela. The Almudena Cathedral will host a concert by the Orfeón Sociedad de Conciertos on Sunday, November 8, at 6:00 p.m., while the Sony Auditorium will host a zarzuela recital on Monday 9, at 7:30 p.m., with free admission.
The celebrations will also bring back Madrid popular music, with performances of organillo, pasodobles, and classic dances by historical groups.
Almudena procession and Mass 2026: schedule and location
The celebration of Madrid’s patron saint preserves its religious side, with events at the Almudena Cathedral and a solidarity floral offering.
The Almudena Mass and procession are scheduled for Monday, November 9, starting at 11:00 a.m., in the area surrounding the cathedral esplanade.
These celebrations will take place alongside cultural activities organized in squares and other spaces in the city during the weekend and the holiday Monday.
Traffic cuts in Madrid for the Almudena: affected streets and mobility
The Almudena festivities will also have consequences for traffic circulation in central Madrid. The City Council warns of possible traffic cuts and mobility restrictions due to the street processions and the procession.
People who plan to travel through the center during the celebrations should consult the incidents and municipal notices, especially in areas near the routes of the religious events and popular activities.
The City Council recommends checking traffic information before starting your trips.
Monday, November 9 is a public holiday in Madrid, but not throughout the Community
Almudena Day is one of the two local holidays in Madrid’s capital in 2026, along with San Isidro, celebrated on May 15 last.
Therefore, Monday, November 9 will be a non-working day in the city of Madrid, but not in the rest of the municipalities in the Community, such as Alcalá de Henares, Móstoles, Getafe, or Leganés.
The festive program will continue until Tuesday, November 10, although that day will be a working day again in the capital.
The complete program can be consulted on the official website of the Madrid City Council.