Concert and Chupinazo (Opening)
Crowds gather for live music and to witness the launching of the traditional firework rocket (chupinazo). Locals and participants often wear festive attire, and children carry flowers for the altars.
~12:00
Maya Festival
Fiesta de las Mayas
Colmenar Viejo, Spain
May 2, 2026Expected
Each May, the town of Colmenar Viejo celebrates the arrival of spring with the Fiesta de las Mayas. Young girls chosen as the Mayas sit atop altars decked with flowers, symbolizing fertility and the renewal of nature, in a celebration of the Madrid region rooted in custom since the 1500s.
Key moments
Day 1 · May 2
Floral Offering at the Basilica
Families gather outside the historic basilica to witness the quiet procession. The Maya girl in traditional dress leads with bouquets, followed by a poetic reading and medal ceremony.
~19:00
Where it happens
Plaza del Pueblo
Colmenar Viejo, Spain
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Floral bouquets for altar decoration
Respect local boundaries
Visitors should not climb onto altars or interrupt the Maya figure. In church, maintain sil...
Ask before close-up photos
Dress modestly and approach altars quietly. Ask permission before photographing children. B...
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: moderate.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaREGIONAL SEASONAL CALENDAR
Maya Festival
Fiesta de las Mayas
Colmenar Viejo, Spain
Each May, the town of Colmenar Viejo celebrates the arrival of spring with the Fiesta de las Mayas. Young girls chosen as the Mayas sit atop altars decked with flowers, symbolizing fertility and the renewal of nature, in a celebration of the Madrid region rooted in custom since the 1500s.
Under the radarStill under the radar
May 2, 2026Expected dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
Rooted since the 1500s, the Mayas festival celebrates the arrival of spring. The Maya (a girl chosen by community vote) presides over the festivities from an altar of natural materials. The ritual songs ("El Mayo" chant), procession of children with brushes, and references to the Maya all link to medieval folk rites. This folk ritual was catalyzed by previous pagan spring rites and later absorbed local Catholic customs. In 20...
Key moments to know
Day 1May 22 moments
Day 1May 2~12:00Expected
Concert and Chupinazo (Opening)
Crowds gather for live music and to witness the launching of the traditional firework rocket (chupinazo). Locals and participants often wear festive attire, and children carry flowers for the altars.
Day 1May 2~19:00Expected
Floral Offering at the Basilica
Families gather outside the historic basilica to witness the quiet procession. The Maya girl in traditional dress leads with bouquets, followed by a poetic reading and medal ceremony.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Floral bouquets for altar decoration
Respect local boundaries
Visitors should not climb onto altars or interrupt the Maya figure. In church, maintain silence and respect.
Ask before close-up photos
Dress modestly and approach altars quietly. Ask permission before photographing children. Be respectful of the...
Essentials at a glance
Date window
May 2, 2026
Provisional
City / Area
Colmenar Viejo
Community of Madrid
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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