Carnival kicks off in Madrid at Matadero: schedule of workshops and activities for the family

Workshops, circus, treasure hunts, magic, humour and concerts for children and adults will make up the varied free activities that Matadero Madrid will host next Saturday, 1 March, as part of this year's carnival programme, organised by the Culture, Tourism and Sport department of the Madrid City Council.

The activities of this day, curated by La Juan Gallery, will start at 10:30 with a multitude of workshops - to make masks or sardine costumes, for example - given by Peseta, Colectivo Máscara y Acción, Bloco do Baliza, Antonio Sánchez and Rubén Vaquero and Irene Copado.

In parallel to the workshops and until 12:30 pm, Matadero Madrid will also host various activities and shows for all audiences.

Family treasure hunt

The 7 Minutos de Gloria company will be doing the family gymkhana “Stars are seen from Madrid”, and Magician Patxi, winner of the 2022 World Street Magic Award, will present “Vacilón. The same story told in a different way”, a humor and magic show that does not understand ages.

And the Madrid company Trocos Lucos will join in with the circus show “Tartana”, while the Association of Giants and Bigheads of the City of Madrid and the Los Sapitos band will fill the atmosphere with live music, performing a selection of popular and traditional songs that invite you to dance and celebrate.

The opening speech will be held in Madrid Río

These activities will be the prelude to the opening speech, which will take place on the Explanada Negra in Madrid Río. Later, starting from the Puente de Toledo, the traditional grand parade will take place with more than 15 participating companies and associations that will combine street theatre, circus, giant puppets, fantastic creatures and live music. The parade will end on the Explanada Negra.

In addition, from 6:00 p.m. the aforementioned Explanada Negra will be transformed into a party - to which people are invited to come in costume - for young people and adults who wish to celebrate the carnival to the rhythm of music.

Confeti de Odio will open the concert session, and then it will be the turn of DJ Brava! and Chico Blanco, who will make the audience dance by mixing genres and styles, maintaining the energy and festive atmosphere.