November 9 is a date very marked in the calendar of the Madrilenians, as it is the day dedicated to the Virgin of the Almudena, the patron saint of the city. To celebrate it, the streets are filled with music, gastronomy, floral offerings and cultural and religious events. But the festival is not only limited to Sunday, but will extend during the previous days, filling the capital with atmosphere and tradition.
From Thursday, November 6, the offerings and concerts for the Almudena will begin. Throughout the weekend, the esplanade of the cathedral will be open to receive flowers and donations from different schools and citizens of Madrid. In addition, the musical program is designed for all audiences, with classical music and performances by emerging contemporary artists.
A free typical sweet
Following tradition, there will be the famous crown of the Almudena, a dessert similar to the roscón de reyes that was created by the Guild of Confectioners of Madrid more than 100 years ago to honor the patron saint.
It will be available for tasting on Sunday in the Plaza Mayor, starting at 12:30 pm, in a free tasting with more than a thousand servings. It is organized by the Association of Chefs and Pastry Chefs of Madrid, who will distribute the classic sweet while supplies last.
A symphonic band and emerging voices
The Almudena Cathedral will celebrate several religious events during the festivities of the patron saint, such as the departure of the procession, floral offerings or masses. On Thursday, November 6, it will also host an extraordinary concert by the Municipal Symphonic Band of Madrid, which will perform Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov, a work that evokes seas, adventures and oriental legends.
And for those who prefer contemporary music, the “Patronas 2025” series brings together 21 concerts by women over four days. From November 6 to 9, different emerging artists will perform at venues in the city such as Clamores, Siroco or Café la Palma. The voices of La Pucci, who has also been backing vocalist in Manuel Carrasco’s tour, Luisa Corral, Yael Levi or Alba del Vals, among others, stand out. The complete program can be consulted on the website of the City Council.
Tradition in the streets of Madrid
The most special day will be Sunday 9, with the traditional procession of the Virgin of the Almudena starting at 11:00 am. The floral offerings will continue throughout the day and, in the morning, the Paseo del Prado and Plaza Mayor will be filled with folk music. There will be meetings of bagpipes and dulzainas and also chulapos and chulapas dancing chotis and pasodobles.
In the afternoon, the performances will continue in the Plaza Mayor, with the participation of three emblematic associations: Francisco de Goya (with dances from the 17th century), Arrabel (dedicated to Castilian music) and the organ grinder Alfredo Pobo.
Finally, zarzuela will be present at the Sony Auditorium, which will host a free recital by the students of the Queen Sofia School of Music. Fragments of works such as Luisa Fernanda, Doña Francisquita or El Barbero de Sevilla will be performed.