On 9 November Madrid celebrates its patron saint, the Virgen de la Almudena. The Almudena Festival fills the streets between the cathedral, the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor with a procession, music, traditional dances and a giant cake you can taste for free. In 2026 the festival runs from 5 to 10 November, and 9 November falls on a Monday.
The legend of the Almudena
According to tradition, the image of the Virgin was found in 1085, when King Alfonso VI took Madrid. It was hidden in one of the towers of the old Arab wall, near the Puerta de la Vega. The name comes from the Arabic al-mudayna, "the citadel", the walled fortress that stood on the hill where the cathedral and the Royal Palace are today. In 1908 Pope Pius X made her the official patron saint of Madrid.
The cathedral itself is surprisingly young. King Alfonso XII laid the first stone in 1883, and Pope John Paul II consecrated it on 15 June 1993.
Programme for Monday 9 November 2026
- 11:00 Solemn Mass on the esplanade of the Almudena Cathedral, followed by the procession through the streets around the cathedral.
- 11:30 Traditional groups perform in Plaza de la Villa.
- 12:00–14:00 Zarzuela, chotis and pasodobles in Plaza Mayor.
- 12:30 A giant Corona de la Almudena is made in Plaza Mayor, with about 1,000 free portions while they last.
- 15:00–20:00 Flower offering to the Virgin, entering via Calle de Bailén.
- 17:00–19:00 Goya-style, Castilian and castizo dances in Plaza Mayor.
- 19:30 Zarzuela recital at the Auditorio Sony of the Escuela Reina Sofía, Calle de Requena 1 (free, booking required).
The flower offering also takes place from 7 to 10 November. Visitors can bring non-perishable food, which goes to Cáritas.
The Corona de la Almudena: the festival cake
Every fiesta in Madrid has its sweet, and this one has the Corona de la Almudena, a ring-shaped cake created in 1978 by Madrid's pastry makers as a tribute to the patron saint. In the days around 9 November you will see it in the windows of almost every bakery in the centre. The free tasting in Plaza Mayor is popular, so arrive early.
Practical tips for visitors
9 November is a local holiday in the city of Madrid only, not in the rest of the region, so some shops close while bars and restaurants in the centre stay busy. The nearest metro station for the cathedral (Calle de Bailén 10) is Ópera, and from there it is a short walk to Plaza Mayor. Come early for the Mass and procession if you want a good spot.
💡 Food & Tapas Tip: after the procession, cross the street to El Anciano Rey de los Vinos at Calle de Bailén 19, facing the cathedral since 1909. Order a glass of the house sweet wine with its little biscuit.
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