At the end of February, Madrid residents will have a rare opportunity: right in the city center, 800 servings of hot cocido madrileño broth will be handed out for free. This event will not only warm passersby on a cold day but also highlight the importance of the capital’s gastronomic traditions. Organizers expect great interest and long queues, as such initiatives are becoming increasingly popular among locals.
Where and when
On February 27, in the area between Gran Vía and Calle Preciados, the restaurant Preciados 33 will host a large-scale broth giveaway. It will start at noon sharp and continue until all 800 portions are gone. Every passerby can receive a cup of fragrant broth, prepared following a traditional recipe. With the winter dragging on, this gesture is especially relevant for those looking for a way to warm up and recall the flavors of childhood.
According to El Confidencial, the restaurant is renowned for its buffet of traditional Spanish cuisine. For this event, the chefs make the broth with bones, meat, and vegetables, simmering it for four hours before letting it rest for 24 hours to develop a rich flavor. Before serving, the broth is thoroughly strained and skimmed to ensure every cup is perfect.
Traditions and details
On regular days, Preciados 33 offers an unlimited buffet featuring Spanish cuisine. Pricing varies depending on the day of the week and guests’ age: adults pay from €28 to €33, with special rates available for children. The menu always includes cocido madrileño, served in two courses: first, a broth with fine noodles, followed by chickpeas with meat, sausage, vegetables, and cabbage. For the special event on February 27, around 200 liters of broth will be prepared to ensure there is enough for everyone.
The restaurant has a rule: for each ordered dish left uneaten, a €3 fee is charged and donated to the charity Acción contra el Hambre. This approach helps reduce food waste and supports social initiatives.
Menu and atmosphere
In addition to the buffet, the restaurant offers a special cocido madrileño menu on weekdays for €24.90. It includes soup with noodles, chickpeas with meat and vegetables, a choice of dessert, a drink, and coffee or tea. The spacious dining hall accommodates up to 180 guests, and the kitchen operates non-stop from 1:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Discounts are available for families with children, and reservations are recommended due to high demand.
In recent years, unique gastronomic initiatives have been appearing more and more often in Madrid. For example, a special bus service was recently launched in Barcelona for fans of major concerts, making it easier to access events — you can read more about this in the article about new buses for concert fans. Such projects demonstrate how traditions and modern solutions can combine for the comfort of residents and visitors in cities.
Context and related events
In recent years, Spain has witnessed a growing number of large-scale food and drink giveaways to support traditions and draw attention to local cuisine. Last year in Valencia, thousands of people received free portions of paella right in the central square on Paella Day. In Seville, a spring giveaway offered gazpacho to everyone, while in Zaragoza, an autumn tapas festival featured free tastings. These events become not only local celebrations but also a way to showcase the richness of Spanish gastronomy.
