La Melonera Festival in Arganzuela

La Melonera is Arganzuela's patronal festival in Madrid. It brings the celebration of the Virgen del Puerto together with concerts, traditional Madrid dancing, family activities, sport and a tasting that recalls the festival's popular name.

Celebration date

It is usually held over the first weekend in September. Exact dates and the surrounding activities vary each year; Madrid City Council scheduled the main 2026 festivities from 3 to 6 September.

View the La Melonera 2026 festival programme.

Where it is held

The main festival venues are spread across Arganzuela. The Madrid Río esplanade provides the fairground and large concert stage; Nave de Terneras hosts performances and family activities; and the Ermita Virgen del Puerto is the focus for the patronal Mass and procession. Municipal markets, cultural and sports centres, squares and streets across the district complete the annual programme.

Patronal and neighbourhood identity

The festival honours the Virgen del Puerto, patron of Arganzuela. The solemn Mass and procession around her chapel maintain its religious character, while the wider programme reflects community life through music, culture, sport and events for different generations.

Events and traditions

  • Mass in honour of the Virgen del Puerto and a procession around her chapel.
  • Concerts, orchestras, popular music and traditional Madrid dance performances.
  • The La Melonera popular road race through Madrid Río, with distances for different ages.
  • Children's activities, workshops, circus and demonstrations by municipal services.
  • A melon and sangria tasting offered at participating municipal markets.
  • Fireworks to close the main festival days.

A festival across the district

The programme brings together families, young people, older residents, athletes, associations, performers, traders and visitors. Involvement from older people's centres, markets, sports facilities and cultural venues allows La Melonera to reach well beyond the fairground.

Sources

Today's international trade fair

You can also find information about international trade fairs and discover today's featured trade fair at FeriasHoy.com.