Events in Madrid for Columbus Day

Columbus Day is one of the most important festivities in Spain, celebrated every October 12th. Madrid, as the capital, becomes the epicentre of celebrations, offering a wide range of events for all tastes. From military parades to cultural activities, this day is a unique opportunity to experience the history and culture of Spain in all its glory.

Militar Parade on the Paseo de la Castellana

The military parade is the main event of the day, and takes place on the Paseo de la Castellana. This act is presided over by the King and Queen of Spain, and has the participation of all branches of the Armed Forces, as well as the Civil Guard and the National Police. In addition to the ground units, you can also enjoy a spectacular air display. The flight of the Eagle Patrol, which paints the sky with the colors of the Spanish flag, is one of the most anticipated moments.

• Time : From 11:00 a. m.
• Place : Plaza Cánovas del Castillo, s/n 28014
• Route: Glorieta del Emperador Carlos V to la Plaza de Colón, with the Central Act in Plaza de Neptuno

Free Museums

October 12th is an excellent day to enjoy culture, as several museums in Madrid open their doors for free. Among the most prominent are the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. This is an excellent opportunity to get to know some of the masterpieces of Spanish and international art.

• Participating Museums : Prado Museum, Reina Sofía, Thyssen-Bornemisza, among others.
• Time : Throughout the day, check the opening hours of each museum.
• Admission : Free

Concerts and Outdoor Shows

Madrid will be filled with music and art in the city’s squares and parks. From October 5th to 13th there will be concerts, dance shows and outdoor theatrical performances, ideal to enjoy with family or friends. Some of the events focus on showcasing the diversity of Hispanic culture, from flamenco to Latin music.

Floral Offering to Christopher Colombus 

The floral offering in the Plaza de Colón is another of the important moments of the celebrations. A tribute is paid to Christopher Columbus, a key figure in the history of Hispanidad, and flowers are laid at his monument. This event has the participation of authorities and cultural associations.

• Time : 10:00 AM.
• Place : Plaza de Colón

Spanish and Latin American Gastronomy

Throughout the day, the city will have markets and gastronomic fairs where you can taste typical dishes of Spanish and Latin American cuisine. It is an excellent opportunity to try everything from traditional tapas to more exotic flavors that are part of the culture of Hispanic countries.

• Location : To be defined

Complete calendar of October 12th

In order to maximize Columbus Day, it is recommended to arrive early for the most popular events, such as the military parade, as the areas get crowded. It’s also a good idea to use public transportation, as many streets will be closed to traffic.

If you want more information about the many events, we leave it below: