From October 4 to 13, Madrid’s already rich cultural fabric will be joined by a very complete program for Columbus Day. The sense of celebration is such that there will be a proclamation, a parade through the streets on October 5, exhibitions on the theme that occupy museums and galleries and a multitude of concerts. In addition, the gastronomic markets will be the icing on a cake with many flavors. Although the guest country this year is Mexico, up to 22 countries will be represented in the celebration, which will last for a week.
The biggest parade of the Hispanidad in Madrid
The Community of Madrid has organized the largest parade of Hispanidad to date, which will take place this Saturday, October 5. More than 1,000 people from 22 countries will parade under the slogan “All accents fit in Madrid”. The parade will start at 18:30h in Plaza de España and will go along Gran Vía to Alcalá street. Six floats will participate, highlighting the representation of Mexico as guest country.
Exhibitions
Liria Palace
Letters from Columbus. America at the Casa de Alba explores the American heritage of the Casa de Alba Foundation’s collection, showing the historical relationship between Spain and America since the 15th century. The exhibition includes 24 autographs of Christopher Columbus, historical documents, pre-Columbian and viceregal objects, as well as unpublished portraits.
📍 Location: Liria Palace (Calle de la Princesa, 20).
🗓️ Dates: September 20 to February 16, 2025
Art Galleries
Arte Madrid brings together some of Madrid’s most important galleries under the umbrella of Hispanidad. Exhibitions like Emergencia by Mexico’s Hector Zamora at Albarran Bourdais Gallery and Cecilia Paredes’ Historias Errantes at Blanca Berlin Gallery stand out. But the complete list includes 12 spaces that will hold these exhibitions until mid-November.
CA2M Museum of Móstoles
Museo CA2M in Mostoles presents Buscando guanábana ando yo, the first solo show dedicated to Venezuelan artist Sol Calero in a Madrid institution. This exhibition brings together some of the main characteristics of Calero’s work, which stands out for its overflowing plasticity of color and the exoticization that runs through her entire production. The exhibition includes a selection of works, objects and images, as well as newly produced interventions that reflect his personal vision of sculptural language.
📍 Location: Avenida de la Constitución, 23 (Móstoles)
🗓️ Dates: until January 5, 2025
Gastronomy
Hispanidad Fair in Plaza de España
From September 21 to October 15, Plaza de España is transformed into a vibrant marketplace celebrating the cultural and gastronomic richness of Hispanic America. Visitors can enjoy authentic dishes from each region, from Mexican cuisine to Peruvian ceviches, in a space that also includes music and crafts.
Municipal Markets
During the Hispanidad 2024 festival, six municipal markets in Madrid participate with special activities that showcase the gastronomic diversity of Latin American peoples. These events allow attendees to explore a variety of flavors and culinary traditions. You can check locations and schedules here.
Free concerts for the Hispanidad 2024 festivities
Madrid is getting ready to celebrate the Fiestas de la Hispanidad 2024 with a spectacular program that includes 98 free concerts by national and international artists. From October 4 to 13, you can enjoy performances in emblematic places such as Plaza Mayor and Puerta de Alcalá. You can check the complete list with their locations in this article.
Hispanidad 2024 events in Madrid
Friday, October 4th
- Hispanidad Proclamation: 7:00 p.m., Real Casa de Postas.
- Ibero-American Circus Festival: October 4 to 6.
- Cineteca for Hispanic Heritage Month: October 4 to 31.
- Mexican Film Week: October 4 to 13.
Saturday, October 5
- Vistel Brothers Concert: 1:00 p.m., Jardín del Teatro de La Abadía.
- Cavalcade of the Hispanidad: 18:30 h, from Plaza de España to Gran Vía.
- Concert ¡Vaya fiesta! by La Violondrina: 19:00 h, Casa Museo Lope de Vega.
- MadBlue Festival: Juan Carlos I Park.
Sunday, October 6th
- Manuel Turizo Concert: 13:00 h, Puerta de Alcalá.
- MadBlue 2024: Run For Earth: Juan Carlos I Park.
Thursday, October 10
- Javiera Mena Concert: 19:00 h, Plaza Mayor.
- Senra Senra Concert: 21:00 h, Plaza Mayor.
- Israel B Concert: 21:30 h, Matadero Madrid.
- Concert Yotuel: 22:00 h, Puerta del Sol.
Friday, October 11th
- Diego Torres Concert: 21:30 h, Puerta del Sol.
- Concert La Delio Valdez: 21:30 h, Puente del Rey-Madrid Río.
Saturday, October 12th
- Ballet Español de la Comunidad de Madrid: Premiere at the Teatros del Canal.
- National Day Military Parade: Around 11:00 h.
- Ptazeta Concert: 22:00 h, Puerta del Sol.
- Valeria Castro Concert: 21:30 h, Plaza Mayor.
- Concert Fruko y sus Tesos: 21:30 h, Puente del Rey-Madrid Río.
- Ralphie Choo Concert: 21:15 h, Callao.
Sunday, October 13th
- Concert Los Sabandeños: 13:00 h, Plaza Mayor.
- Bratty Concert: Matadero Madrid.
- Concert Abel Pintos: Puerta del Sol.