La Verbena de la Paloma

One of Madrid’s most important summer fiestas together with San Cayetano and San Lorenzo. It is held in honour of the Virgen de la Paloma (Virgin of the Dove) and is a great time to enjoy the atmosphere on the streets, with people in the traditional local chulapa costume, and dancing the chotis.

This fiesta is mainly celebrated on Plaza de la Paja, Calle Toledo, Plaza de las Visitillas, and the streets around the parish church of La Virgen de la Paloma. As well as religious traditions like the procession of the Virgin, there are competitions, music of every kind on outdoor stages, tapas routes… Especially after sunset, the crowds come out to enjoy themselves, have a drink at the bars set up outdoors, and see the streets decorated with lights and garlands.