Plaza Mayor hosts Ánima Fest party on 1 November

Plaza Mayor hosts the public finale of Ánima Fest in Madrid on 1 November 2026. The first edition of the cultural festival, organised by REM, runs from 29 October to 3 November and brings a Day of the Dead procession to the Spanish capital.

Ánima Fest brings a public finale to Madrid

The procession begins at 6pm on 1 November and ends at Plaza Mayor, where a Querétaro-themed celebration is scheduled for about 8pm. The programme includes live music, dance and performances from the Mexican state named as the festival’s main partner and guest.

The route starts at the Royal Palace area and continues through central Madrid before reaching the square. Reports from the published parade programme and the festival announcement describe more than 500 participants, around 100 artists and two monumental floats. Watching the procession does not require registration, while people wishing to join the parade must register through the organisers.

Plaza Mayor's architecture frames the festival

The square belongs to Madrid’s historic Habsburg centre and occupies the site of the former Plaza del Arrabal market. Construction began in 1617 under the architect Juan Gómez de Mora, and the main project was completed in 1619.

Its present appearance also reflects the rebuilding led by Juan de Villanueva after the devastating fire of 1790. The arcades, corner entrances and surrounding buildings give the festival’s final gathering a setting that was designed for public ceremonies and large civic events. Madrid’s tourism office describes the square as part of the oldest area of the city and records its architectural history.

The festival extends beyond the square

Ánima Fest also places activities in Madrid’s Centro and Chamberí districts. The announced programme includes a Mexican market, workshops, artistic installations, a public altar and events at the Círculo de Bellas Artes.

The festival links those locations through a programme devoted to Mexican art, food and cultural traditions. The Plaza Mayor finale therefore forms one part of a six-day programme rather than a stand-alone performance, while the procession provides the clearest connection between the city’s streets and its historic central square.

Visiting Plaza Mayor: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• Ánima Fest’s procession reaches Plaza Mayor on 1 November 2026, with the Querétaro-themed celebration scheduled for about 8pm.
• The public can watch the procession without registering; registration is required only for people who want to join the parade.
• The route passes through central Madrid, and the nearest Metro stations to Plaza Mayor are Sol and Ópera. Ópera connects with Metro lines 2 and 5.
• Spain’s official language is Spanish and its national currency is the euro.

The square’s role as a ceremonial setting gives the 1 November finale a direct link to the place’s long public history.

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Frequently asked questions about Plaza Mayor

When does Ánima Fest take place at Plaza Mayor?

The festival runs from 29 October to 3 November 2026, with its Plaza Mayor procession and public finale on 1 November 2026.

What happens at Plaza Mayor on 1 November 2026?

The Day of the Dead procession reaches the square before a Querétaro-themed celebration with music, dance and folklore.

Where is Plaza Mayor and how do you get there?

It is in central Madrid, with Sol and Ópera the nearest Metro stations for the festival finale.