Madrid Festivals

Fiestas de San Isidro, C. de Alcalá, 237 (www.esmadrid.com/sanisidro), From mid-May to early June there are bullfights almost every day at Plaza de las Ventas, where some of the best bullfighters in Spain come to battle some of the country's fiercest bulls. May 15-early June.
Orgullo Gay, (www.orgullogay.org), During Orgullo Gay, one of the biggest pride parades in Europe, Madrid explodes with GLBT-friendly celebrations, parades, parties, and more. Chueca, Madrid's gay district, is particularly lively. Last week of June.
BollyMadrid, (www.bollymadrid.com), During the first week of June, Lavapiés features Bollywood dance performances, movies, and amazingly cheap Indian food. Get a sampling of Indian food from one of the many food stands surrounding Lavapiés, then watch a Bollywood movie or see a dance show. Check online for dance performance venues and times. Lavapies. Performances free. Food €1-5. 1st week of June.
Madrid Carnival, The week before Lent, Madrid celebrates with a Mardi Gras-esque spectacle of parades, costume parties, and extravagant masks. There is also a tradition called “The Burial of the Sardine,” in which participants decked out in black cloaks and hats walk through the streets with a coffin containing an effigy of a dead sardine. Don't understand? Neither do we, but it's seriously awesome. Feb 18-25, 2011.
Fiestas de San Lorenzo, (www.fiestasdesanlorenzo.com), August is the traditional month for festivals in Madrid. During the Fiestas de San Lorenzo in mid-August, madrileños celebrate with dancing in the streets, processions, and outdoor concerts. Check online for specific activities and times. Varies.
Dos de Mayo, On May 2, 1808, the people of Madrid rose up against Joseph Bonaparte, Napoleon's brother, to fight for their freedom against French rule. The battle began the six-year War of Independence. Today, madrileños celebrate that battle in Malasaña. May 2.
Nochevieja, To ring in the new year, hundreds of madrileños gather at Madrid's version of Times Square, Puerta del Sol, to watch the ball drop from the clock tower. Instead of counting down, the clock chimes 12 times to represent good fortune for the 12 upcoming months of the year. According to tradition, you're supposed to eat a grape at every toll and drink at midnight. Sol. Dec 31.
Three Kings Procession, During the procession of Three Kings in Madrid, around 30 carriages filled with 7000kg of sweets proceed from Retiro Park to Plaza Mayor via Sol. During the procession the “Kings” and various helpers shower sweets on the huge crowds who gather on the streets of Madrid, and local establishments host theatrical antics for children. Jan 5.
Madrid en Danza, From mid-March to late April, Madrid plays host to a flurry of dance performances from around the world. From ballet to modern dance, there's something for everyone at this festival that celebrates movement, not Tony Danza. Tickets vary by venue. March-April.