Many people wonder if it’s worth visiting Madrid in August because of the heat. The answer is yes, especially if you want to see the city at its most authentic self. This is the month when the verbenas take place, the traditional street parties that take over the oldest neighborhoods in the city center.
The best way to imagine a verbena is to think of a large neighborhood street fair. The streets are closed to cars and are decked out with colorful decorations, food and drink stalls, and stages with live music.
Ant the most interesting bit is that the celebration is actually a series of parties that take place back-to-back in neighboring districts of the city center. The festivities begin at the start of the month and follow a calendar that culminates in the main event on August 15th.
The August street parties calendar
San Cayetano festivities: August 5-8
Neighborhood: Rastro/Embajadores
San Lorenzo festivities: August 9-12
Neighborhood: Lavapiés
La Paloma festivities: August 14-17
Neighborhood: La Latina
First stop: the San Cayetano street party in Rastro
August 5-8 | Main day: August 7
The first celebration in the August street party cycle honors San Cayetano, the patron saint of bread and work. This is where the spirit of the verbenas begins to take over downtown Madrid, serving as a “warm-up” for the parties to follow.
Where the party takes place
The epicenter of the San Cayetano party is the Rastro and Embajadores area. The main streets to explore are Calle de Embajadores, Calle del Oso, Calle de San Cayetano, and the Cascorro and General Vara del Rey squares. The saint’s church, the Parish of San Millán y San Cayetano, is on Embajadores street and serves as the starting point for the religious events.
What to expect from the San Cayetano street party
- A more local atmosphere: Since it’s the first of the three parties, expect a more neighborhood-focused and slightly less crowded atmosphere. It’s the ideal introduction to Madrid’s verbena culture.
- Decorated streets: Look out for Calle del Oso in particular. The residents have a 45-year tradition of decorating the street with shawls and lights.
- The neighbors’ limonada: The local residents give out free limonada, a typical drink made from white wine and lemon.
- Music and street drinking: The local bars spill out onto the street, setting up makeshift counters on the sidewalks with their own sound systems.
- The saint’s procession: If you’re at the party on August 7th around 8 PM, you can see the procession go by. It leaves from the Parish of San Cayetano and winds through the main streets of the party, such as Calle de Embajadores, Calle del Oso, and Plaza de Cascorro.
Want to see the full schedule?
For a detailed list of shows, times, and activities, check out the Complete schedule for the San Cayetano Festivities 2025.
Second stop: the San Lorenzo street party in Lavapiés
August 9-12 | Main day: August 10
As the energy of the San Cayetano party starts to wind down, the celebration moves to the neighboring district of Lavapiés to celebrate San Lorenzo. The atmosphere here changes, reflecting the vibrant, multicultural, and more alternative identity of Madrid’s most cosmopolitan neighborhood.
Where the party takes place
The heart of the San Lorenzo festivities is the Lavapiés neighborhood. The main stage and most of the concerts are centered in Arturo Barea square. Other surrounding streets and squares also come to life with activities, such as Calle Argumosa, Calle del Amparo, Calle Olivar, and Calle Mesón de Paredes. The religious events take place at the Church of San Lorenzo, on Calle Doctor Piga, 2.
What to expect from the San Lorenzo street party
- A multicultural and alternative atmosphere: The San Lorenzo party reflects the soul of Lavapiés. Expect a more cosmopolitan and alternative environment.
- A street-level party: The real party happens on the street. Expect to find the streets of Lavapiés, especially Calle Argumosa, packed with people. The bars set up counters outside, with everyone drinking and socializing outdoors.
- Street art everywhere: The neighborhood breathes urban art all year round, and during the festivities, this explodes. Expect to find murals, graffiti, and small creative installations on every corner, turning the neighborhood itself into the main event.
- Quirky activities: The party stands out for its creative and participatory activities. These include a large water battle, open mic sessions for artists , and gastronomic games (like blind tastings).
- The procession amid the party: Just like at San Cayetano, the religious celebration has its place. On August 10th, the San Lorenzo procession leaves from its church (on Calle Dr. Piga, 2) at 8 PM, creating a beautiful contrast between the sacred and the popular festivities.
Want to see the full schedule?
For a detailed list of shows, times, and activities, check out the Complete schedule for the San Lorenzo Festivities 2025.
Third stop: the La Paloma festivities in La Latina
August 14-17 | Main day: August 15
The August street party cycle reaches its peak with the celebration of the Virgen de la Paloma, the most important and popular of the three. The party takes over the La Latina neighborhood with an extensive schedule, combining concerts, castizo traditions, and very important religious events for the people of Madrid.
Where the party takes place
The celebration spreads throughout the La Latina neighborhood, but it has three main epicenters. The Jardines de las Vistillas (Las Vistillas Garden) serve as the main stage for concerts by famous artists. Plaza de la Paja is the heart of the more traditional and castizo activities. And the Church of the Virgen de la Paloma (and its surroundings) is where the religious events are concentrated.
What to expect from the La Paloma festivities
- The grand finale: La Paloma is the largest and most famous of the three parties, attracting the biggest crowds.
- Castizo culture in Plaza de la Paja: This is the place to see a more traditional side of Madrid. Expect to find locals dressed in typical chulapo attire, watch dance contests (chotis and pasodoble), and admire the Manila shawls on display.
- Festival nights in Las Vistillas: Las Vistillas gardens turn into a large music festival stage, hosting shows by some of the most famous artists on the Spanish pop/rock scene.
- Food, drinks, and games: The neighborhood transforms into a large street fair. Expect to find many stalls selling food and drinks, as well as games like shooting galleries, duck fishing, and other amusements.
- Street games and competitions: The party is full of traditional games. You can watch Mus championships (a popular Spanish card game), and contests for drinking from a porrón and botijo, which are a test of skill to see who can aim the stream of drink into their mouth without spilling
- The largest procession of all: On the evening of August 15th, the procession of the Virgen de la Paloma winds through the streets of La Latina. It is the grandest of the three and attracts a huge crowd of devotees and onlookers.
Want to see the full schedule?
For a detailed list of shows, times, and activities, check out the Complete schedule for the Virgen de la Paloma Festivities 2025.
Practical tips for enjoying the parties
Drinking on the street
Drinks at the official party stalls can be expensive, so it’s very common to see groups buying their own drinks and ice at local neighborhood shops. One important thing you need to keep in mind is that technically, drinking on the street (botellón) is illegal in Madrid, but the police are tolerant during the festivities if you follow the golden rules:
- No glass: For safety reasons, glass bottles are forbidden. Only bring your drinks in cans or plastic bottles.
- Avoid hard liquor: The tolerance applies to low-alcohol drinks like beer, wine, or tinto de verano. Avoid bringing spirits like vodka, gin, or whiskey to avoid the risk of having your drink confiscated.
- The right place (stay within the perimeter): The permission to drink on the street is only valid within the designated party area. If you wander off to neighboring streets that aren’t part of the event, the police can fine you.
- Access checkpoints: At venues with big concerts, like the Jardines de las Vistillas, it’s common to have security checkpoints at the entrance. The rules about bringing drinks into these areas can change each year or even each day. Sometimes they allow cans and plastic bottles in; other times, they forbid any outside drinks. It’s unpredictable, so have a plan B.
Watch out for pickpockets
Crowded parties are an invitation for pickpockets. Carry only the essentials and leave your original passport at the hotel. A photo of the document on your phone is ideal.
Arrive early, but not too early
The atmosphere changes a lot depending on the time. If you’re looking for a calmer, more family-friendly vibe, the ideal time to go is in the afternoon until around 8 PM. From 10 PM onwards, the streets get more crowded, the main concerts begin, and the party picks up a much more intense pace.
Hydration is essential (and the heat is unforgiving)
The August heat in Madrid is intense, even at night. Walking in the middle of a crowd only makes it feel hotter. Drink plenty of water. Bring a bottle with you and take the opportunity to refill it at the public drinking fountains scattered around the city.
Cash
Although most bars accept credit cards, the street stalls might be cash-only. To avoid lines or issues with faulty card machines, having some cash on hand makes life much easier.
Where to find restrooms?
The city council sets up portable toilets at strategic points, but the lines can be long. The other option is the restrooms in the bars. The unwritten rule of etiquette is that if you’re going to use a bar’s restroom, it’s best to buy something there.