San Juan bonfire. Credit: Pexels @ pixabay
The Fiestas of Tres Cantos kicked off this morning in Madrid’s northern suburbs. Beware, the scene is vibrant. From the 13th to the 23th of June, this lively local celebration has been drawing families, locals and visitors to enjoy ten days of culture, live music, workshops and street shows.
By late morning on the first day, crowds were already gathering at the main fairground. A full programme spans several venues, including the Main Stage, the Youth Stage and the Family Plaza. Between sets there’s puppetry, dance, circus arts and wellness activities, as is usual in these fiestas, for everyone in the same place, from toddlers to grandparents.
The headliners include Álvaro de Luna and Beret on centre stage. But the fair is about much more than just music. On the 22nd June you will be able to contemplate a colourful Corpus Christi procession, and on the 23rd, there is something that shouldn’t be missed, the traditional bonfire of San Juan lights the night sky, and is complete with fire dancers and drumming.
Meanwhile families will be savouring open‑air eats, as street vendors sell many kinds of dishes, including paella, at long tables, creating a lively atmosphere that pulses through the district. DIY circus corners and artist‑led craft workshops invite kids to learn juggling or puppetry, while adults unwind at yoga or zumba sessions. Organisers have deliberately crafted a diverse bill so that generations can celebrate together .
Local bars around Tres Cantos are also making the most of the fiesta. You can expect special tapas menus paired with ice‑cold drink specials aimed at both locals and festival‑goers who wander into nearby terraces. A friendly neighbourhood vibe dominates: it’s discreet, fun and unpretentious.
Also, even the festival architecture contributes to the mood. The fairground installations, from flaming hoop sculptures, lantern‑lit pathways to pop‑up shade canopies, are as much part of the experience as the performances.
As the sun sets tonight, expect crowds to gravitate towards the bonfire. The blaze is scheduled for 22:00, a symbolic nod to ancient midsummer fire rituals. With drummers circling the flames, the energy promises to be electric, blending ritual, art and modern celebration.
These fiestas aren’t confined to the Tres Cantos’ fairgrounds. Street closures through Paseo Colón and the Plaza de la Familia ensure a safe, relaxed, pedestrian-friendly environment. The local council has arranged extra public transport services, and maps of free parking zones are being distributed by volunteers.
Throughout the ten days, hobbyist associations and art collectives will also host exhibitions and talks on a diversity of topics: from sustainability, to local history and community art. Even midday might include a bit of learning, not just lunch.
All told, this year’s Fiestas de Tres Cantos feel like a thoughtfully curated slice of Madrileño life. They bring warmth, music, colour, and a sense of belonging. For anyone in the city today, Tres Cantos offers a first‑class introduction to neighbourhood festivity, blending tradition with cool, contemporary local flair. Don’t miss tonight’s bonfire, it might just be the spark you need to set your summer alight.
