In November, Hoyo de Manzanares transforms into an authentic Visigoth village, inviting everyone to experience life as it was in ancient times. For the eighth year in a row, a large-scale festival is held here, bringing together workshops, guided tours, culinary discoveries, and theatrical performances. The event is designed for the whole family and offers a vibrant program for both adults and children.
A journey through history and crafts
From the very start of the month, the town is filled with a historical atmosphere: craft workshops spring up on the streets, and local venues serve dishes inspired by the recipes of the area’s ancient inhabitants. Historical reenactments take center stage—visitors can explore a Visigoth camp, walk through the archaeological site of La Cabilda, and discover how people lived more than a thousand years ago. Food lovers can enjoy tastings of local specialties such as honey, mushrooms, legumes, and nuts.
Workshops for children and adults have become a key part of the festival. Guests can learn basket weaving, create Visigoth-style jewelry, make writing tablets, and even sew costumes. For little ones, interactive activities are available, letting them feel like real explorers as they solve puzzles and follow the traces of the land’s ancient inhabitants.
Family quests and new experiences
One of the most anticipated events is a citywide quest game designed for families with children aged six to fourteen. Participants will tackle eight challenges scattered throughout the city, all aimed at unveiling the secrets of the Visigothic era. Advance registration is required, and winners will receive memorable prizes as well as new insights into the region’s past.
The program also features special events for adults. Adventurous drinkers can attend a gin tasting, while wine enthusiasts are invited to discover local varieties at a separate meeting. The festival wraps up with a theatrical premiere—the comedic monologue promises to be a dazzling finale to a month full of activities.
How to get there and what to try
Hoyo de Manzanares is just a 40-minute drive from Madrid via the A-6 highway. Those who prefer public transport can take intercity buses from the Moncloa station. Organizers recommend not limiting yourself to just the festival: local restaurants offer a special menu inspired by Visigothic traditions, and wandering the nearby hills and forests allows for complete immersion in the area’s ancient atmosphere.
The festival in Hoyo de Manzanares is more than entertainment—it’s a chance to see the region’s history from a new angle, discover traditional crafts, and spend time with family or friends in a truly unique setting. Every November, the town comes alive, transforming into an open-air museum where the past merges with the present.
