Fiestas Patronales en Honor al Santísimo Cristo de la Buena Muerte en Los Molinos

Introduction and local significance

The Fiestas Patronales en Honor al Santísimo Cristo de la Buena Muerte in Los Molinos will take place this year from 13 to 20 September 2026. This celebration turns the Madrid municipality into a point of reference for residents and visitors who come to take part in its traditional religious and festive events. The programme combines bullfighting events, musical acts and popular gatherings in emblematic spots such as the Plaza España and the Plaza de Toros.

Historical origins and tradition

The festival revolves around devotion to the Santísimo Cristo de la Buena Muerte, whose main day includes a solemn mass followed by a procession through the town's streets starting from the Parroquia Purísima Concepción. Local traditions remain closely tied to popular bullfighting and the hosting of a large bullfighting fair in the municipality. Characteristic elements of these dates include the traditional encierros (bull runs), horseback transhumance, and the direct involvement of local peñas (festive clubs) in the celebrations.

Programme and main events

The event calendar for the Fiestas Patronales en Honor al Santísimo Cristo de la Buena Muerte in Los Molinos features highlights such as the inaugural horseback bull run, the reading of the official opening speech (pregón) in the Plaza España, and musical performances by groups like The Millers and Guss Martín & Miguel Sacristán Band. Attendees can also enjoy morning musical parades (dianas floreadas), a fireworks display next to the Plaza de Toros enclosure, and numerous open-air night dances (verbenas) entertained by various orchestras such as Syra, Cayenna, Cinema, Nuevo Tango and Tango. The bullfighting schedule encompasses practical classes from the bullfighting school, novice bullfights without picadores as part of the Camino hacia Las Ventas competition, and novice bullfights with picadores. Given that the full programme contains multiple activities spread across the week, visitors are advised to check the official event list to confirm exact times and locations for each activity.

Traditional festival food

During the main days of the celebration, traditional gastronomy takes to the streets thanks to initiatives promoted by local community groups.

• Huevos con Chistorra: Fried eggs served with chistorra (a thin, cured Basque sausage), prepared during the popular huevada organised by the Peña Los Sopis on Calle Vistillas. This traditional dish brings together numerous residents and visitors in a friendly, culinary atmosphere during the main festival week.

Visitor guide and where to stay

Due to the celebrations, road traffic will be restricted from 13 to 20 September on specific streets such as Calle Real —on the stretch between Plaza del 12 de octubre and the Coworking space—, Plaza de Juan Rubio, Calle Molino de la Mónica, Calle Dalias and Calle Vistillas, with loading and unloading authorised between 08:30 and 11:30. For safety reasons, consuming drinks from glass containers on public roads, entering Plaza de España with glass bottles, and selling alcohol to minors are strictly prohibited. Regarding the popular bullfighting events, the minimum age to participate is 16 years old; comfortable clothing and footwear are mandatory, unsuitable attire must be avoided, alcohol consumption prior to running is prohibited, runners must strictly stick to running without attempting tricks on the bulls, and access gates to the arena must be kept clear. Spectators must position themselves properly without obstructing the fences, and climbing on the wooden barriers (talanqueras) or bringing prams near the barriers is forbidden. For your stay, it is advisable to book accommodation well in advance, both in the town itself and in nearby villages, and to prioritise public transport or park your vehicle outside the town centre during peak times.