Madrid Newsletter - February 2026

February in Madrid often brings a distinct clarity to the city; the air remains crisp and cold, but the days are noticeably lengthening, often accompanied by brilliant blue skies. It is a time when the capital feels authentically itself, shaking off the quiet of January without yet reaching the frantic pace of the spring high season. For a traveler, this offers a chance to experience the city's museums, cafés, and streets with a little more breathing room.

The cultural calendar this month is busy, anchored by two major celebrations mid-month. From February 14 to 18, you can witness the Madrid Carnival. Unlike the tropical celebrations elsewhere, Madrid’s version is steeped in traditional satire, costume parades, and the curious local ritual known as the "Burial of the Sardine," which marks the end of the festivities. Around the same time, the city welcomes the Chinese New Year on February 17. Celebrating the Year of the Horse, the program includes cultural activities and events across the city, highlighting Madrid's diverse community.

For those interested in the arts and design, the Madrid Design Festival 2026 runs throughout February, turning various venues into hubs for creativity and architecture exhibitions. The city's winter music series, Inverfest, also continues with performances such as the band Hinds on February 5. Sports enthusiasts should note the La Liga fixture of Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad on February 14; while currently listed for 16:00, please remember that match times in Spain are subject to confirmation based on broadcasting schedules, so we recommend verifying closer to the date.

Whether you are tracking down design exhibits or simply warming up with a traditional hot chocolate and churros, the city offers plenty to explore this month. If you would like to better understand the history and architecture of these streets, join us on a Walkative tour to get your bearings. We hope you enjoy the vibrant, winter atmosphere of Madrid.

Date	Event	Category
February 17	Chinese New Year 2026 Madrid celebrates the Year of the Horse with a packed program of cultural activities and events across the city.	🎄 Holiday	More details →
February 5 - March 8	Madrid Design Festival 2026 Madrid hosts the ninth edition of this international design festival, turning the city into a hub for design and creativity.	🎪 Festival	More details →
February 12 - March 1	RISK - Madrid Community Circus Festival Witness breathtaking circus performances blending physical feats, poetry, and storytelling across six shows, from intimate acts to adrenaline-pumping spectacles throughout Madrid.	🎪 Festival	More details →
February 14-18	Madrid Carnival Join the colorful parades and costume festivities from February 14 to 18, immersing yourself in Madrid's vibrant pre-Lent carnival celebrations across the city.	🎪 Festival	More details →
February 20-22	SoulDance Bachata & Salsa Festival Vol.6 Dance the weekend away to bachata and salsa rhythms from February 20 to 22, connecting with passionate dancers and live performances in Madrid.	🎪 Festival	More details →
February 1	Ángeles Toledano - Inverfest Madrid Enjoy live performance at Teatro Circo Price as part of the Inverfest winter concert series showcasing Madrid's vibrant music scene.	🎵 Concert	More details →
February 5	Hinds - Inverfest Madrid Experience the band Hinds at La Riviera during Inverfest, Madrid's premier winter concert series featuring live music across multiple venues.	🎵 Concert	More details →
February 21	Ainhoa Arteta - Teatro Monumental Enjoy an evening of classical vocal performance with Ainhoa Arteta at Teatro Monumental, starting at 19:30.	🎵 Concert	More details →
February 6	World Athletics - Indoor Tour Gold Experience the best indoor track and field competition in Spain as part of the World Athletics Continental Tour. Discover elite athletes competing in middle and long-distance running events at Centro Deportivo Municipal Gallur.	⚽ Sport	More details →
February 14	Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Watch Real Madrid take on Real Sociedad at their home stadium in a La Liga fixture. Witness one of Spain's most prestigious football clubs compete against their Basque Country rivals at 16:00 (subject to confirmation).	⚽ Sport	More details →