THE Community of Madrid has defined the public holiday calendar for 2024, which will include 14 non-working days, including two dates determined by municipal councils. As a novelty, he included the Feast of the Apostle James (July 25)which surprised many by falling on a Thursday, thus allowing a bridge. However, on November 9 Almudena Day in Madridwill not be a public holiday on this occasion, although this may be considered again in the future. He Status of workersin its article 37, grants the Board of Directors the power to fix public holidays, provided that they do not exceed 14 per year.
This process is carried out with consultation of the parliamentary groups of the Madrid Assemblyas well as other economic and social organizations in the region. The festivities that still remain in the Community of Madrid for this 2024 include Friday December 6 (Spanish Constitution Day)another opportunity to build a bridge, and Wednesday December 25, Christmas, a day celebrated throughout Spain. These dates end on work schedule of the Community of Madridwhich presents some changes compared to previous years.
Almudena Day in Madrid
Almudena Day, in honor of the Virgin of Almudenapatron saint of Madrid, is a celebration that allows residents and visitors to enjoy a day dedicated to the history, culture and faith of the city. Every November 9, Madrid celebrates this holiday with a series of religious and cultural activities.
This celebration is based on a legend which tells the story of Virgin of Almudenalinked to the beginnings of Madrid. Its name comes from the Arabic word “al-mudayna”, which means “fortress” or “citadel”, and refers to the site where, according to tradition, the image of the Virgin would have been hidden by the Christians during the occupation Muslim in the 19th century. 8th century. During the reconquest of the city by Alfonso VI in 1083, after days of searching, the image was found on the wall, representing the perseverance and dedication of the people of Madrid. This devotion became official in the 20th century, when the Virgin was named patroness of Madrid in 1908.
Among the most important moments, there is the solemn mass at Cathedral of Santa Maria la Real de la Almudenawhere the faithful gather to honor the Virgin, pray and thank her blessings. The Cathedral is decorated for the occasion and receives a multitude of faithful who participate in a celebration full of faith. Then a procession takes place which runs through the streets of central Madrid. The image of the Virgin is accompanied by many faithful and local groups, and the day ends with a floral offering to the patron saint.
The festival also has a gastronomic aspect with the famous Crown of Almudenaa typical dessert of these dates which consists of puff pastry filled with cream, cream or chocolate, decorated with candied fruits and almonds, symbolizing the protective mantle of the Virgin. This treat is sold in various pastry shops around the city.
Program
- November 5, 6 and 7 at 7:00 p.m.: Triduum in the Cathedral.
- November 6 at 8:00 p.m.: organ and singing concert with Héctor Guerrero and Conceiçao Seabra in the Cathedral.
- November 7 and 8: floral and solidarity offer made by schools.
November 8
- 5:30 p.m.: concert by the Orfeón Sociedad de Concertos of Madrid City Hall in the Cathedral.
- 7:45 p.m.: floral offering and representation of Madrid groups in the Plaza.
- 8:30 p.m.: Youth vigil at the Cathedral.
November 9
- From 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.: floral and solidarity offer.
- 11:00 a.m.: Eucharist and procession with a route from the Almudena Cathedral, via Calle Mayor, Calle Santiago, Calle Requena, Calle Bailén and return to the Cathedral.
- 11:30 a.m.: representation of Madrid groups in front of the Town Hall.
- 5:00 p.m.: parades of Madrid groups from the Cathedral to the Town Hall.
- 6:00 p.m.: concert of the Band of Jesús el Pobre in the Square.
November 10
- 11:00 a.m.: parade and floral offering of veterans of the armed forces on the square.
- 11:30 a.m.: floral offering from the Regional Houses on the Square.
- 11:45 a.m.: parade of Regional Houses from the Cathedral to the Town Hall.
- 12:00 p.m.: concert of the Music of the Three Falls on the Square.
- 8:00 p.m.: concert by the Municipal Symphony Orchestra of Madrid in the Cathedral.
Mass schedule
- Cathedral: 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- Crypt: 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
December long weekend
This year, the December bridge provides an excellent opportunity to rest, since the Constitution Day, December 6falls on a Friday, while Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8it is Sunday, moving to Monday in many communities. Thus, regions such as Andalusia, Aragon, Castile and León, Extremadura, Murcia and Melilla will benefit from an extra long weekend. With holidays on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, these regions will experience a break for four consecutive days, resuming work activities on Tuesday, December 10.
