Madrid Student Living
If Coco made you cry, get ready: Madrid is launching its first International Day of the Dead Festival, with a parade, catrinas, music and loads of Mexican flavour.
It's called Ánima Fest and it runs for six days, from 29 October to 3 November. It's organised by REM (Recuperación de Espacios y Momentos) together with the Mexican state of Querétaro, and it spreads across the centre, Chamberí and the Círculo de Bellas Artes. If you're Mexican and missing home, this is your plan. If you're not, it still is.
The programme, day by day
| 29 Oct – 1 Nov | Installations and cultural activities at the Círculo de Bellas Artes |
|---|---|
| 29 Oct – 2 Nov | Market with Mexican crafts, textiles and food in Chamberí |
| 1 Nov, 4pm–8pm | Big parade along Carrera de San Jerónimo, Puerta del Sol and Calle Mayor |
| 1 Nov, 8:30pm | Music and dancing in Plaza Mayor |
The parade is the highlight
On the afternoon of 1 November, over 500 participants, around a hundred artists and two monumental floats make their way through central Madrid. To wrap it up, there's a party with music and dancing in Plaza Mayor. There'll also be food mixing Mexican and Spanish cuisine and an online round table about the tradition.
Tips to make the most of it
- Grab a spot early. The parade goes through Sol, so it'll be packed.
- Do catrina make-up. Not compulsory, but it's half the fun.
- Arrive hungry at the market. Tacos, sweets and crafts to take a souvenir home.
- Make it a long-weekend combo. The Water Lantern Festival is on the 31st and 1st too. Perfect weekend.
- Double-check times. It's the first edition, so confirm locations and times before you go.
Looking for a place in Madrid, whether you're local or just landed?
We have verified rooms in shared flats in Retiro, Tetuán and Chamartín, ready for Spanish and international students.
See available rooms