Festivals in San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Discover the main festivals and traditions of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, in the Community of Madrid.
Local festivals in San Lorenzo de El Escorial
The San Lorenzo patronal festivities are usually celebrated over several days around 10 August. The opening speech, giants and big-head figures, concerts, street performances and sports activities fill Plaza de la Constitución, the forecourt of the Royal Monastery and other town-centre venues. On the patron saint's day, the solemn Mass and procession bring residents, local clubs and municipal representatives together.
Virgen de Gracia pilgrimage
On the second weekend of September, the pilgrimage dedicated to the town's patron saint lasts from the preliminary events on Friday until the image returns on Sunday. The dawn rosary links the sanctuary with the chapel at La Herrería, while the procession leaves the Monastery forecourt with decorated carts, brotherhoods, clubs and pilgrim groups. Mountain jotas, the Rondón dance and the gathering at La Herrería distinguish a celebration organised by the brotherhoods with support from the Town Council.
Other celebrations and traditions
San Antón opens the festive calendar on 17 January with Mass, a procession to the Los Alamillos chapel, the blessing of animals and an auction in Plaza de la Constitución. Carnival brings children's parades and youth associations together, while Holy Week involves seven brotherhoods in processions between the parish church, the Royal Monastery and the Nuestra Señora de Gracia sanctuary.