The Spanish capital immerses itself from this Thursday in one of its most traditional celebrations: the Virgen de la Paloma festivities. Until next Sunday, the areas of Las Vistillas, Plaza de la Paja, and the streets of La Latina will be filled with verbenas (street parties), chotis (traditional dance), popular contests, and concerts in honor of the city's unofficial patron saint.
The musical lineup will be headlined by groups such as Celtas Cortos, DePol, and Miss Caffeina, marking the end of August's festive calendar in the Centro district. The main day of the festivities will be Saturday, featuring a floral offering, a solemn mass, the traditional lowering of the Virgin's image by the Madrid Firefighters, and the subsequent procession.
The events will kick off on Thursday morning with the traditional chocolatada castiza (traditional hot chocolate) on Calatrava street, followed by a sack race. Throughout the four days, Cava Baja street will host checkers and parchis championships, while Plaza de la Paja will offer children's workshops and a chotis contest in the afternoon. The opening of the major concerts will be by Celtas Cortos at 9:30 PM in the Jardines de las Vistillas.
On Friday, Las Vistillas will host a night of 80s music with 'Regreso a los 80' (Return to the 80s), bringing together artists like Los Refrescos, Modestia Aparte, and Fernandisco. Concurrently, Plaza de la Paja will celebrate 'Regreso a los 90' (Return to the 90s) with Eva Martí. The youngest attendees will also have their children's costume contest for 'chulapo' attire.
Saturday, the central day of the celebrations, will begin at 12:45 PM with the floral offering at the Colegio La Salle-La Paloma. Following the Solemn Mass at 1:00 PM, the iconic lowering of the Virgin's image by the Firefighters will take place. In the afternoon, at 8:00 PM, the image will parade through the neighborhood streets in the traditional Paloma procession. That night, DePol will perform in Las Vistillas at 9:30 PM.
Sunday will mark the closing of the festivities. Plaza de la Paja will host a traditional vermouth and a children's competition drinking from a clay jug. The musical finale will arrive at 9:30 PM with Miss Caffeina in Las Vistillas and Karavana in Plaza de la Paja, followed by DJ El Pulpo and DJ Tama until the early morning hours.
