Bullfighting

The epitome of Spain for many, this artistic performance is deeply rooted in Madrid's cultural identity. As the city's capital, Madrid boasts the best bullring, attracts the best bullfighters and has the most sophisticated audience. Not for the squeamish but certainly an experience you will remember. The pomp and circumstance which surround the corridas and the dazzling outfits make for a fascinating afternoon's entertainment.

Nightlife 

Plaza Santa Ana, in the theatre district, comes alive at night. Like many capital cities around the world it can be a bit pricey and tourist-oriented, but head towards Chueca for a younger more upbeat area or the La Latina district, between the Tribunal and Bilbao metro stops, where the locals choose to spend the warm dry evenings of the long Madrid summer sitting on the many terraces.

Theatre

The most famous theatres in Madrid are the Teatro de la Zarzuela, home to the traditional Spanish operetta, and the Teatro Real, while the Círculo de Bellas Artes ensures that a rich variety of theatre, music, art and dance is available all year round. Choose from classic, contemporary and finge theatre as well as ballet, modern dance and more. A truly extensive offering.

Fiestas

Fiestas take all shapes and forms but as a general rule they celebrate an annual event (like Easter or harvest time) and the patron saints of the town of city. During the day the aim is to have fun and everyone can join in. There are lots of competitions and events to watch or participate in. If it's a religious celebration, processions carrying an icon of the patron saint will herald the start of the fiesta, otherwise there will be some kind of ritual, and the whole town or barrio will be there to witness it. The celebrations get noisier as the day wears on with chiringuitos (open air stalls and tents selling food and drink) around the parks and all the local bars and restaurants will have terraces ready. There'll be live music, fairgrounds, exhibitions of all sorts. Everyone gets into the spirit of the thing and you'll see many people dressed up in traditional costume. Don't be surprised to see the evenings festivities last well into the next day, with the traditional breakfast of chocolate con churros (thick hot chocolate drink with doughnuts) serving to get everyone back into a fit state to deal with the day ahead.

There are fiestas all year round in Madrid but the most important are the Fiesta de San Isidro which takes up the best part of the month of May and La Almudena in November, both celebrating the Patron Saints of the city.