Fiestas Patronales de Alalpardo en Valdeolmos-Alalpardo

Introduction and local significance

Las Fiestas Patronales de Alalpardo in Valdeolmos-Alalpardo officially take place from 21 to 25 August 2026. This festive event in the Community of Madrid brings together local residents and numerous visitors for a broad schedule of religious services, bullfighting events and popular gatherings that fill the streets with activity throughout the month of August. Attending these festivities offers a first-hand experience of the most representative local traditions of the Madrid festive calendar. Las Fiestas Patronales de Alalpardo in Valdeolmos-Alalpardo stand out for their ability to combine devotion to their patron saints with street celebrations and the participation of historic peñas (social clubs) dearly loved by the residents.

Historical origins and tradition

The town's festive heritage features very significant milestones, such as the revival of the encierro por el campo (running of the bulls through the countryside) after thirty years without being held in the municipality. The celebration is deeply marked by the fiftieth anniversary of the Peña El Coñazo, founded in 1976 following a trip to San Fermín. The founders of this peña themselves gave the opening speech and were presented with a collage picture composed of fifty banners commemorating their five decades of continuous existence. As a sign of devotion and gratitude, the peña presented the Virgen del Rosario with a commemorative sceptre for their anniversary. Liturgical and traditional events include the joint procession of the patron saints San Sebastián and the Virgen del Rosario through the streets of Alalpardo, a devout route that traditionally marches to the rhythm of the Banda de Música Villa de Fuente El Saz. The Hermandad Sacramental actively collaborates by offering a popular traditional refreshment in the Sala de Cristal following the High Mass. The grand finale of the festivities is marked by unique rites such as the candlelit procession, the choral rendition of the peña's anthem and the traditional burning of the mozo in the Plaza.

Programme and main events

The official programme of Las Fiestas Patronales de Alalpardo in Valdeolmos-Alalpardo structures its days around very specific events that can already be consulted in detail in the top section of the page. Central events include the floral offering to the patron saint, the solemn procession of the patron saints through the urban layout, and bullfighting events including the eagerly awaited novilladas sin picadores (novilladas without picadors). Notable bullfighting events also feature the participation of novice bullfighters Rodrigo Cobo, Jaime Torija, Israel Guirao and Rubén Vara in the local bullring. The farewell events bring attendees together for the burning of the mozo and the candlelit procession on the final night.

Traditional festival food

Traditional cuisine and popular competitions occupy a fundamental place during the festive days through several culinary proposals eagerly awaited by residents and visitors alike:

• Caldereta (traditional stew): the star dish of the final day of the festivities, with an expected 1,300 portions served with bread, cutlery and a tupperware container for a popular price of three euros per portion, with exactly half of the proceeds donated to Caritas.
• Tortillas de patata (Spanish potato omelettes): the central creation of the popular gastronomy omelette competition organised during the event.
• Gildas (skewered pepper, anchovy and olive snacks): the starring appetizer featured in a specific championship held throughout the festive days.

Visitor guide and where to stay

The main events of the festivities take place primarily around the town's Plaza, the nerve centre of the locality during the celebrations. Given the high turnout expected on the main dates, it is highly recommended to use public transport or park vehicles in the designated areas outside the central urban area. It is advisable to book accommodation well in advance both in the municipality of Valdeolmos-Alalpardo and in nearby towns, making it easy to comfortably follow the scheduled events late into the night. It is strongly advised to check the official programme before setting off to check for any possible changes to timetables or locations of planned events.