Madrid’s biggest celebration takes place in May, when the week long Fiesta de San Isidro honours Madrid’s patron saint with parties, processions and bullfights, marking the start of the bullfighting season.

Smaller but also of note in May is Fiesta de la Comunidad de Madrid, commemorating Madrid’s uprising against Napoleon’s French troops. Head to the bars of Malasaña for the best of the festivities.

Another key event is the capital’s cultural calendar is Veranos de la Villa, a series of events throughout July and August, staged by Madrid’s Town Hall, known as Summers in the City. While August and September also see several small neighbourhood festivals, such as San Cayetano in Lavapiés, and San Lorenzo and La Paloma in La Latina.