It's a public holiday in Madrid on 1st and 2nd May, which means a long weekend of festivities and events. 1st May is Labour Day, like in much of the world, while 2nd May is a holiday exclusive to Madrid, celebrating the Fiestas del 2 de Mayo. This special day commemorates the historic 1808 uprising against French occupation.
The city and its surrounding municipalities offer heaps of events, from historical reenactments to live concerts. Take a day trip to one of Madrid's many surrounding towns during the bank holiday and enjoy the free events that are on.
Thursday, May 1st
Madrid city events
- Zarzuela Gala of the Orquesta y Coro de la Comunidad de Madrid, 1:00 p.m., Explanada de Puente del Rey, free
- Sanguijuelas del Guadiana Concert, 7:30 p.m., Explanada de Puente del Rey, free
- Concert by Carolina Durante, 9:30 p.m., Explanada de Puente del Rey, free
Events in surrounding areas
- Zarzuela & Flamenco, Compañia Embrujo, 8:00 p.m., La Cabrera
- Fiesta de las Mayas, from 11:00 a.m., Plaza Mayor, El Molar
- Sesión Vermú, from 12:30 pm, free
Wild Honey, Teo Planell - Plaza de España, Navalagamella
Angela Dormm, Anouck the Band - Placituela del Cuartel, Navas del Rey
D. Dramático, Bloodstein - Plaza de la Villa, Loeches
Friday, May 2nd
Madrid city events
- Historical Reenactment of the 2 May Uprising, 5:30 p.m., Explanada de Puente del Rey, free
- 'De mí también me puedo salvar' Tour, 8:00 p.m., Explanada de Puente del Rey, free
- Asociación de Coros y Danzas Francisco de Goya, 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., Parque de Santander & Explanada de Puente del Rey, free
- Camila Concert, 9:30 p.m., Explanada de Puente del Rey, free
- Arrabel Traditional Music Performance, 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., Parque de Santander & Explanada de Puente del Rey, free
Events in surrounding areas
- Free Municipal Concerts, 12:00 p.m., Alcalá de Henares, Becerril de la Sierra, Casarrubuelos, Colmenar Viejo, Parla, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Torrelodones
- ‘Cuando Quieras’ Dance Show, 7:30 p.m., La Cabrera, 6 euros
- Fiesta de La Maya, 12:00 p.m., Plaza del Pueblo, Colmenar Viejo
- Sesión Vermú, from 12:30 pm, free
Wild Honey, Teo Planell - Plaza de la Villa, Loeches
Angela Dormm, Anouck the band - Plaza Mayor, Lozoya
D. Dramático, Bloodstein - Plaza de España, Navalagamella
Saturday, May 3rd
Madrid city events
- Mercajuguete, Antique Toy Fair, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., C.C. Plaza de Aluche
- El Prado de Noche, from 8.30 p.m., free
- Fábia Rebordão concert, Fado festival, 7:30 p.m, Albeníz Theatre
Events in surrounding areas
- ‘1953’, Provisional Danza, 8:00 p.m., La Cabrera, 6 euros
- Sesión Vermú, from 12:30 pm, free
Bernal, Ortopedia Tecnica - Plaza Mayor, Chinchon
La Juventud, Kui - Plaza de la Concepcion, La Cabrera
Puño Dragón, Cortei - Plaza de España, Pelayos de la Presa
Ede, Zuaraz, Kiliki - Parque de la Bolera, San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Sunday, May 4th
Madrid city events
- Fiesta de las Mayas, from 11:00 a.m., Lavapiés
- Picasso Museum Guided Tour, 12:00 p.m., free
- Lope de Vega Museum Theatrical Tour, 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., free
- Kátia Guerreiro concert, Fado festival, 7:30 p.m., Albeníz Theatre
Events in surrounding areas
- Sesión Vermú, from 12:30 pm, free
La Juventud, Kui - Plaza Mayor, Chinchon
Puño Dragón, Cortei - Zona de Bares, Fuentidueña del Tajo
Bernal, Ortopedia Tecnica - Plaza de España, Pelayos de la Presa
Linze, Yawners - Parque de la Bolera, San Lorenzo de El Escorial