May is a busy month for Madrid, May is full of celebrations in the capital and almost all over the region. The first long weekend -which also falls on Thursday and Friday this year- is May 1, Labor Day, which is celebrated throughout Spain, but May 2, Madrid Community Day, commemorates the uprising against the French in 1808. An event that Goya portrayed for history.
During these days, different events take place all over the city and this year they are extended from April 30 to May 4. Among the most picturesque is the celebration of the Mayas, which usually takes place in the neighborhoods of Lavapiés, El Molar, Leganés and Colmenar Viejo.
Another big event that takes to the streets these days is the reenactment of the fight that liberated the city from the invaders. Weapons, uniforms, horses and cannons will be the normality at least for a day in the capital.
Finally, music will be the culmination of the festival with free concerts of great Madrid bands like Carolina Durante, as well as folklore groups that these days will wear the traditional goyesco costume instead of the chulapo.
Music and concerts
The concerts will be held in the esplanade of Puente del Rey and admission is free until full capacity is reached.
Thursday, May 1st
- 1:00 p.m.: Zarzuela gala of the Orquesta y Coro de la Comunidad de Madrid.
- 19:30 h: concert of Sanguijuelas del Guadiana
- 21:30 h: concert by Carolina Durante
Friday May 2nd
- 20:00 h: concert by Maximiliano Calvo
- 21:30 h: Camela concert
Folklore on May 2nd
Friday, May 2nd
- 17:00 h: show Lo nuestro by the Asociación de Coros y Danzas Francisco de Goya (Francisco de Goya Choirs and Dances Association)
- 17:30 h: performance by Arrabel (traditional music and dances)
Historical recreation of the 2nd of May
Recreation of the May 2nd uprising of 1808, with the participation of more than a hundred actors, horses, carriages and cannons; includes parade and representation of the defense of the Monteleón barracks. It will take place on Friday afternoon, May 2, in the esplanade of Puente del Rey.
Free distribution of Madrid flags.
The banderita madrileña is the dessert that pays tribute to the Community of Madrid and will be distributed free of charge on May 2 in several at the Sol Tourism Center. This sweet, created by the pastry chef Pedro Blanco in the 80s, consists of a Russian almond sponge cake filled with orange-flavored diplomatic cream, topped with strawberry jelly and decorated with seven white stars made of marzipan, fondant or white chocolate that evoke the regional flag. During the holiday you can also find it in the bakeries associated with ASEMPAS.
Theater and performing arts
- At Teatros del Canal, highlights include performances such as Divinas palabras by Valle-Inclán ( May 1 to 4) and the show Mi vida es una anécdota by confidencial by Pedro Ruiz (May 2, 3 and 4), both as part of the celebration of the May 2 Festival. In addition, the program is completed with dance, music and other theatrical premieres throughout the season.
- The Royal Coliseum of Carlos III and other scenic spaces of the Community of Madrid will host theatrical performances and family shows, expanding the cultural offer during these days.
Other activities in the CAM for May 2
- Festival of Las Mayas and Los Mayos in El Molar (May 2, in the morning).
- Concerts of the program Música en el aire in municipalities such as Parla, Colmenar Viejo, Alcalá de Henares, Casarrubuelos, Becerril de la Sierra, Torrelodones and Pozuelo de Alarcón (May 2, 12:00 noon).
- Theater, exhibitions and family activities in venues such as Teatros del Canal, Real Coliseo de Carlos III, museums and art galleries of the Community of Madrid, throughout the festive week.