The verbena season closes with La Melonera, a popular celebration that comes to Arganzuela on Sunday September 1. Its itinerary includes musical shows, markets with surprise tastings, workshops and sports activities. It will end on day 8, with three concerts and a fireworks session.
The guest artists
The program of La Melonera stands out for the Spanish groups that will take the stage at the Recinto Ferial (Madrid Río esplanade) between September 5 and 8. From Celtas Cortos, who will arrive on Friday 6 at 22:00 hours, to Azúcar Moreno, who will star in the final concert of the festivities on Sunday at 21:30 hours, just before the fireworks. On Saturday 7 there will be two star performances: that of María del Monte at 9:00 pm and that of Los Manolos, at 11:00 pm.
Race with melon slice included
The carrera de La Melonera is the only one in which a slice of melon is given to each participant upon reaching the finish line. It is a perfect activity for children and adults, who can register as runners until September 4. This year, the route will start from the Casa del Reloj (Paseo de la Chopera, 10) on Saturday 7. In addition to this race, there are other activities such as paddle, soccer or pickleball tournaments between September 7 and 8.
The origin of La Melonera
Felipe V ordered the construction of a hermitage near the Manzanares, in the current district of Arganzuela, so that the residents of the area would have a place of worship nearby. In this hermitage, the Virgen del Puerto was venerated during the month of September. Here we find the origin of the festival of La Melonera, known by this name because of the melons and watermelons that were sold in the vicinity of the Madrid river.
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