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San Cayetano brings the traditional street festival back to Rastro and Embajadores
The San Cayetano festivities will once again take over the streets of Rastro and Embajadores from 4 to 7 August. Concerts, children’s activities, chotis and open-air dances will alter the neighbourhood’s routine for four days and open the calendar of traditional celebrations in central Madrid.
Plaza del General Vara del Rey will be one of the main meeting points, together with Plaza de Cascorro and number 2 Ribera de Curtidores. The opening address will be given by members of SAMUR-Protección Civil, chosen this year as representatives of a service closely tied to the city’s everyday life.
The festivities will begin on Tuesday the 4th with a Gigantes y Cabezudos display at 19:30. This will be followed by the presentation of the Personajes Castizos, the opening address and performances by Raya Real and The Zona Rock Band, before DJs keep the music going until the early hours.
Cascorro will host part of the family programme, with storytelling, children’s activities and free lemonade distribution. The atmosphere will also spread through the nearby streets, where residents, traders and visitors will share space with the usual terraces and stalls of El Rastro.
Wednesday the 5th will have one of its most recognisable moments on Calle del Oso, with a public chotis class open to everyone. Amanda Verdú will present “Chulapa” and the group Jarana will keep the street party going into the night, accompanied by music sessions and further lemonade tastings.
Thursday the 6th’s programme will mix zarzuela, flamenco and contemporary sounds. Corrala de Zarzuela, Soleá Morente, Tuna de Medicina and Rata by Vibra Mahou will appear on the stages, while Cascorro will host a popular children’s bull run designed for the youngest attendees.
Friday the 7th will bring the most traditional part, with Mass at the church of San Millán y San Cayetano and the procession scheduled for 20:00. María Rodríguez, Montoya & Carmona with “La Juerga Flamenca”, and the winner of Destino San Cayetano 2026 will then perform.
The aperitif organised by Asociación Vecinal La Corrala and the traditional lemonade will bring to a close days in which the neighbourhood changes its pace without losing its everyday character. The scene leaves decorated balconies, packed squares and streets where Madrid’s most traditional character again mixes with those who arrive looking for a different summer night.