The residents of Madrid start the new year off with a bang in the Puerta del Sol. Thousands of people gather beneath the clock for the countdown and fireworks. The heart of the celebration is the traditional grape-stuffing. To ensure good luck for the rest of the year, everyone tries to eat twelve grapes - one grape for each chime at midnight. After ringing in the new year by the beat of the clock, the crowds head to the bars for the rest of the night of celebration.

Carnaval begins the week before Lent and ends on Ash Wednesday with the traditional burial of the Sardine in which the fish is escorted around town in a tiny coffin. The celebration begins with a speech from an artist or writer, which is followed by the parade. The clubs and bars play Latin music for all the well-dressed party-goers. If you can find tickets, which tend to be expensive, it’s worth it to attend the famous masked ball in the Círculo de Bellas Artes.

Bullfighting season is during the months from March to October, and several festivals include bullfights. The Feria de la Comunidad in early May and the Feria de Otóno in late September are ideal festivities to see the traditional bullfighting. By far the best time to see bullfighting is in the famous Feria Taurina during the Feria de San Isidro in May.

The celebrations of the Fiestas de San Isidro begin May 15 and honor the patron saint of Madrid. This is one of the most spectacular events of the year. To take part in the traditional celebration, attend a pilgrimage to the saint’s meadow to drink the water in the fountain of the hermitage. The festival also offers numerous concerts, open-air dances, and other performances. Also, typical food for the occasion is sold, and you can treat yourself to barquillos (rolled wafers), buñuelos (fritters), and rosquillas (doughnuts).

The Verbena de la Paloma festival from August 6th to the 15th is an ideal time to see the traditions of Madrid. This street fiesta takes place around the districts of La Latina and Lavapiés. The area is crowded with residents in regional costumes amongst the streets decorated with flowers. In true Madrid style, the party gets going each evening around ten and doesn’t stop until the early hours of the morning. Live bands play a variety of music such as pop, salsa, and the traditional Chotis as they compete for the attention of people passing by. The best way to experience the festivities is to walk around the district, and stop when you feel the pull of the music.

There is always something to going on in Madrid, whether it’s a festival or the everyday festivities. You’ll be able to find something to do any time of the year.