From May 1 to 8, Madrid and its surrounding areas will host a series of free events marking the beginning of the month and the Dos de mayo holidays. The capital’s authorities and municipalities have prepared a packed program: from historical reenactments to music forums and themed tours. The main events of the week are the Complutum Renacida festival in Alcalá de Henares and the First National Folklore Meeting (Encuentro Nacional de Folclore) in the city center.
Roman Festival in Alcalá de Henares
Alcalá de Henares will once again become the venue for the large-scale historical reenactment Complutum Renacida. The city, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, will immerse itself in the atmosphere of ancient Rome for several days. The program includes free guided tours, workshops, theatrical monologues, and a parade that will take place on May 2 at 11:30 through the historic center of the city. Visitors have convenient access via C2 and C7 suburban trains.
Open-Air Folklore
As part of the Dos de mayo festivities, the First National Folklore Meeting (Encuentro Nacional de Folclore) will be held at Puente del Rey on May 3. The event, organized by the Asociación Protección Danza Flamenco y Folclore, brings together groups from several regions: Los Mimbrales de la Fuente and Coros y Danzas Mazantini from Castilla-La Mancha, Grupo de Danzas San Rafael-Alcaria from Andalusia, Nobleza Baturra from Aragon, and Ballet Folclórico de Madrid. All performances are free, with entrance permitted until full capacity is reached. The event starts at 12:00, accessible by Príncipe Pío metro or buses 33 and 41.
Portuguese Language Day and 17th-Century Music
On May 5, Casa de América, together with the Embassy of Portugal and Instituto Camões, will host an event dedicated to Portuguese Language Day. The program features appearances by writer Dulce Maria Cardoso and poet Luís Carlos Patraquim, as well as musical accompaniment from Sol Homar Osimani. It begins at 18:30 in the Embajadores hall, next to Banco de España metro station.
On May 3, Fundación Juan March will host a free concert by Deliciæ Ensemble, specializing in Italian and Iberian Renaissance and early Baroque music. The program features motets by Frescobaldi, Banchieri, and Monteverdi. The concert begins at 12:00, admission is free until capacity is reached.
Discussion on fires and a walk in the rose garden
On May 7, Ateneo de Madrid will host an open discussion on forest fire prevention. Journalist Juan Navarro and SOS Wildfire founder Nacho Martín will talk about the tragedy in Zamora in the summer of 2022 and share practical tips on protecting communities. The event starts at 19:00, admission is free.
Throughout the week, the Rosaleda Ramón Ortiz in Parque del Oeste is open for visitors. Over 650 varieties of roses and around 20,000 bushes are on display. You can get there by Príncipe Pío metro or C7 and C10 suburban trains.
