Summer festivals in towns around Madrid

The first documented bull run took place in 1525 in the town of San Sebastián de los Reyes, in the Community of Madrid. Knowing this, it makes sense that this festival, despite not having had Ernest Hemingway as a spectator, has achieved considerable popularity which goes beyond the regional borders and reaches the whole country.

The end of summer, aside from being shaped by the dreaded return to school, is famous for the festivals which take place in the many towns and villages around Madrid, many of which are related to the world of bullfighting and come with fans and detractors alike.

The truth of the matter is that, one way or the other, the runs in Sanse (the shortened version of the town’s name) are so important that the number of participants increases every year, something which doesn’t slow the event down either, with 1,400 people (quite a considerable number when you come to think of it) having completed the run in 1 minute 47 seconds.

However, there are injuries every year, most of them mild due to slipping or falling over, and a handful of stitches as well if the bull had anything to do with it.

On the other hand, although the runs are the most notorious part of the festival, the festivities do not end there. Children can enjoy their own bull runs running in front of a fake bull with wheels and there are many parades, celebrations, activities, concerts and, above all, fun, all day long in this festival which, year after year, is prepared in detail by the many local social clubs.

San Sebastián de los Reyes is the cherry on the cake of summer in the Community of Madrid and it is the starting signal for the many other festivals of nearby towns such as Aranjuez and its famous mutiny, Alcalá de Henares, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Majadahonda and Alcorcón.

(Photo: Telemadrid, 2017)

Categories: Madrid Ocio