Top 5 Things Tourists Shouldn’t Miss on Día de la Almudena in Madrid

Chulapos and chulapas fill Madrid’s plaza with music and movement, led by a central dancer in a red polka-dot dress—an homage to tradition and joy during Día de la Almudena.

Top 5 Things Tourists Shouldn’t Miss on Día de la Almudena

We like to make sure our readers are aware of unique and authentic events taking place in Madrid that they may enjoy during their stay. The Día de la Almudena is an important religious celebration that takes place on November 9th each year; and the preceding several days. We used this as our source of information, bringing it to you in a TOP 5 format.

In this article:

• Floral offerings at Almudena Cathedral (Nov 7–9)

• Concerts in Almudena Cathedral (Nov 6 & 8)

• The grand procession on November 9 (11:00 AM, central Madrid)

• Traditional dances in Plaza de la Villa (Nov 9, afternoon)

• Tasting the Corona de la Almudena (all week, citywide bakeries)

Top 5 Things Tourists Shouldn’t Miss on Día de la Almudena in Madrid

1. Floral Offerings at Almudena Cathedral (Nov 7–9)  

From November 7 through November 9, locals bring flowers to the Almudena Cathedral, creating a breathtaking display in the plaza. On Saturday, regional houses lead the offerings, followed by parades and performances from the cathedral to Plaza de la Villa. Tourists should head to Plaza de la Almudena to see the most colorful and lively moments.

2. Concerts in Almudena Cathedral (Nov 6 & 8)  

On November 6, the Municipal Symphonic Band performs at 20:00 (8PM) inside the cathedral, and on November 8, the Orfeón Sociedad Conciertos presents a classical concert at 18:00 (6PM). Both events take place in the Almudena Cathedral, offering visitors a chance to enjoy music in one of Madrid’s most iconic settings.

3. The Grand Procession (Nov 9, 11:00 AM)  

The highlight of the festival is on November 9. At 11:00 AM, a solemn mass is celebrated in front of the cathedral, followed by a grand procession through Calle Bailén, Calle Mayor, Calle Santiago, and back to the cathedral. Tourists should arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the route, especially near Plaza Mayor or Calle Mayor for the best atmosphere.

4. Traditional Dances and Parades (Nov 9, afternoon)  

After the procession at about 11:30 AM, the celebrations continue with traditional music and dance performances in Plaza de la Villa. These exhibitions showcase Madrid’s folk heritage - songs, dances, and instruments that bring the city’s history to life. It’s a lively, family-friendly event that tourists can enjoy in the heart of the old city.

5. Taste the Corona de la Almudena (Nov 6–9, bakeries across Madrid)  

Throughout the festival, bakeries across Madrid sell the Corona de la Almudena, a sweet pastry created especially for the occasion. ASEMPAS, the local pastry association, even organizes a contest to crown the best version. Tourists can find it in pastry shops citywide, but the most authentic experience is to buy one near the cathedral area after the mass or procession.

Highlight: On November 9 at 12:30 PM in the Plaza Mayor, ACYRE Madrid hosts a mass public tasting of the Corona de la Almudena. As part of the celebration, pastry chefs will unveil a spectacular version of the pastry weighing 300 kilograms and stretching nearly 100 meters long if laid out in a straight line. It’s a delicious centerpiece that invites locals and tourists alike to savor Madrid’s culinary tradition in grand style.

Practical Tip for Tourists: Use the Ópera metro station (L2, L5, R) to reach the cathedral easily. Arrive early on November 9 for the mass and procession, and plan to spend the afternoon wandering between Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa to catch the full festive atmosphere.