Madrid Day

Every year Madrid celebrates the day the French Occupation was expelled.

https://pixabay.com/photos/spanish-tradition-madrid-tradition-7166041/

Every year Madrid celebrates the day the Napoleonic French Occupation was expelled, an event that took place on 2nd of May 1808 and marked the beginning of the Spanish War of Independence.

Traditionally a procession marches through the centre of the city and wreaths are laid down at the Cementerio de la Florida graveyard to honour those who lost their lives in battle; since 2004 homage is also paid to those who died in the terrorist attacks at Atocha Station.

In addition to the wreath-laying, there is a large firework display the night before, and on the 2nd May, a bull run through the city in the evening. As it’s a Bank Holiday for people living in the region,it has a reputation for being amongst the most exuberant fiestas in the city!

Picture credit: Cristina Cifuentes

Getting to Madrid Day by train

Public transport across Madrid is very good, so you'll have no problem in using it to get to the festivities. Head for the district ('barrio') of Malasaña, and then to the aptly named 'Plaza 2 de Mayo' where many of the celebrations are hosted.

By Metro:
There are several options which take you to within a few minutes' walk of the epicentre including the San Bernardo (Brown Line, L4) or; Tribunal (Dark Blue Line, L10) or (Light Blue Line, L1).

On the 1st of Maya huge fireworks display is set off in the Jardines de las Vistillas (Vistillas Gardens). Use the Opera (Red Line, L2) or (Green Line, L5) and take the pleasant 10-15 minute onward walk past the royal palace.