Madrid Student Living
Thousands of lanterns floating on the water, live music and food trucks. On 31 October and 1 November, Parque Juan Carlos I goes full magic mode, and you need to be there.
Just moved to Madrid and hunting for good plans? Save this one, because it's the kind you'll miss later. An afternoon outdoors with your people, great music and a grand finale where everyone releases their lantern at the same time as the sun goes down.
Okay, but what is it exactly?
It's a festival held in loads of cities around the world, and this year it's back in Madrid. Here's the deal: you get a floating lantern and decorate it however you like. A drawing, a wish for the year, a note for your crush or a memory from home. Your call.
When the sun sets, everyone releases their lantern onto the water at once and the lake fills with light. Before that there's live music, an open mic if you're feeling brave, merch and food trucks with burgers, pizza and more.
Best part: it's sustainable. The lanterns are made of biodegradable rice paper and wood, they use LED candles, and the organisers clean everything up afterwards. Zero guilt.
When and where
| When | Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November 2026 |
|---|---|
| Time | 4pm to 8pm (about 4 hours of fun) |
| Where | Parque Juan Carlos I, Madrid (Barajas) |
| Who | Everyone, no age limit |
Getting there: take Metro Line 8 to Campo de las Naciones. If someone in your group has a car, there's parking near the pyramid and other car parks around the park.
Tickets: what it'll cost you
From €20.90 on the official website or on Fever. Spoiler: prices go up as the date gets closer. Includes your lantern, markers, an LED candle and access to the music, open mic, food trucks and merch.
Heads up: no refunds and no ticket transfers, but you can switch days up to 48 hours before through the Fever app.
Tips to make the most of it
- Bring your crew and buy tickets together before prices go up.
- Pack a jacket. In late October it gets chilly once the sun goes down.
- Blanket or folding chair to stay comfy for four hours.
- Think of your message beforehand. Don't get caught blanking with the marker in your hand.
- Fully charged phone (no tripods or pro gear). The lantern moment is made for stories.
- Leave your pet at home. No animals allowed.
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