In early October, Alcalá de Henares, located just half an hour from Madrid, will once again become a place where past and present merge into one. For five days, the city completely transforms: its streets and squares are filled with noise, enticing aromas, and costumed characters as if stepped out of the pages of classic novels. Thousands of visitors come here to escape everyday life and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the Golden Age.
From October 8 to 12, 2025, the city will host the renowned Cervantes Week and a large-scale marketplace recognized as a national treasure. More than three hundred stalls will stretch across the historic center, from Plaza de Cervantes to Calle Mayor and Plaza de San Diego. During these days, the city turns into a living stage set, where you may encounter artisans, knights, ladies in lavish gowns, and even a giant puppet appearing on the streets for the first time on October 9 and 10.
Special attention is drawn to the medieval tournaments taking place in the gardens by the Archbishop’s Palace. Tickets for these events are already available: they can be purchased at a reduced price until the end of September, and slightly higher afterward. The tournaments will be held both during the day and in the evening, allowing everyone to choose a convenient time to attend. In addition, guests will enjoy falconry demonstrations, colorful parades, and a reenactment of a Spanish infantry military camp.
The music program will also play a key role: the festival will feature renowned groups performing Celtic music. Each evening, new artists will take the stage, creating a unique festive atmosphere. Last year, attendance reached record highs, with more than 110,000 people gathering on the city streets on certain days. This event is rightly considered one of the largest historical festivals in Europe.
Over five days, visitors can enjoy theatrical parades, puppet shows, knightly duels, music concerts, and many other entertainments. Alcalá de Henares can be reached by commuter trains or buses, and special parking areas are provided outside the city center for drivers—otherwise, finding a spot will be difficult due to the large number of visitors.
