The Pilar festivities are celebrated in a big way in the northwest of Madrid. While in the center of the capital we will enjoy urban music with performances by artists such as Manuel Turizo or Sen Senra, in the Fuencarral-El Pardo district will arrive real national stars: Celtas Cortos, Nacha Pop and Antonio Carmona stand out in this year’s program, full of musical plans for all audiences.
The best plans to enjoy the festivities
The day before the proclamation, on Wednesday, October 9, a pre-party will be organized in the Pilar neighborhood. Starting at 7:30 p.m. there will be a day of concerts with four groups from the neighborhood: El Hombre Dinamita, Evolz, El Artista del Hambre and La Yapa Banda.
On Thursday, October 10, the first big day of celebration will begin: at 7:00 p.m., Moraleda Circus will organize a popular circus-style march. At 8:00 p.m., DJ Pulpo will come to the neighborhood to add rhythm to the evening before Carlos Sobera gives the opening speech of the festivities. Then, at 10:00 pm, the stellar performance of the night will begin. Celtas Cortos, one of the most successful rock bands in Spain, will play big hits such as 20 de abril or Retales de una vida.
On Friday 11, starting at 8:30 p.m., Sabina fans will be able to sing the best songs of the great exponent of folk-urban music thanks to La Penúltima Sabinera. In the evening, at 11:00 p.m., Nacha Pop will take us back to the 1980s with their pop-rock songs.
On Saturday 12 there will be children’s activities from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm: from road safety education classes to theater performances in English. From 22:00 h, Antonio Carmona will take the stage to thrill us with his flamenco songs. Afterwards, two DJ sessions will liven up the evening.
On the last day of the celebration, to commemorate Columbus Day, there will be a parade and a dance show in honor of Ibero-American folklore during the morning. In the afternoon, a chocolatada will be served before the concert to be given at 8:00 p.m. by Ezequiel Montoya, the last guest artist of the festivities. Of course, to put the finishing touch to the week, there will be fireworks in the Alcazaba Park.
How to get there
You can comfortably get to the Pilar neighborhood on metro lines 9 (Herrera Oria station) and 7 (Avenida de la Ilustración stop). Also by buses 43, 83, 126, 128 and 137. For those who stay up late partying, a night bus (N23) leaves from Ginzo de Limia street .