Madrid is a city that never ceases to amaze. Beyond its iconic monuments and vibrant urban life, the Spanish capital is full of hidden corners, traditions, and anecdotes that go unnoticed in most travel guides. In this article, we’ll tell you 7 surprising facts about Madrid that you probably didn’t know—and that will make you see the city from a whole new perspective!
The surprising facts about Madrid that you just need to know
Madrid is full of curiosities that blend tradition, history, and popular culture — from the unique waiter race in Lavapiés to the oldest restaurant in the world, the three-course cocido madrileño, and the iconic Bear and Strawberry Tree.
1. The “waiters’ race”
Every summer, the Lavapiés neighborhood transforms during the San Lorenzo Festival to host one of the most traditional and original events in Madrid: the waiters’ race. Participants run through the streets carrying a tray with a bottle and a glass… without spilling a drop! This unique tradition pays tribute to Madrid’s hospitality workers and has become one of the most anticipated events in the city’s most multicultural neighborhood.
2. The oldest restaurant in the world is in Madrid
Sobrino de Botín, founded in 1725, holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest restaurant in the world. Just steps away from Plaza Mayor, this iconic eatery still serves roast suckling pig and lamb cooked in the same wood-fired oven that has been working for nearly 300 years. Legend even says that Goya worked there as a dishwasher before becoming a painter.
3. “Cocido madrileño” is served in three courses
One of Madrid’s most traditional dishes hides a curious fact: cocido madrileño is served in three separate courses. First comes the soup, followed by the chickpeas with vegetables, and finally the meat. This ritual is not just about food—it’s a cultural ceremony that showcases the richness of local cuisine.
4. A Virgin who is “madrileña, chulapa and castiza”
Although not the official patron saint of Madrid, La Virgen de la Paloma is considered by many to be the city’s most beloved figure. Every August 15th, her festivities fill the streets of the city center with music, traditional costumes, and popular joy. Her devotion began spontaneously when a local woman found her image in a courtyard in La Latina. Since then, the celebration has become a true symbol of Madrid’s identity.
5. The bear and the strawberry tree are more than just a symbol
The famous monument in Puerta del Sol tells a deeper story. The bear and the strawberry tree aren’t just symbols—madroño trees still grow in Madrid’s parks, and their fruit is used to make jam and even liqueurs. The bear represents the abundant wildlife that once roamed the area. Together, they form a rich emblem full of history and meaning.
6. The Festival of the Blessed Souls of Purgatory
In the heart of La Latina, every November 1st, locals celebrate a nearly forgotten tradition: the Festival of the Blessed Souls. Neighbors dress in period costumes, carry lanterns, and walk through the streets at dusk, sharing legends and honoring the deceased. This unique blend of folklore and mystery makes it one of Madrid’s most emotional and curious celebrations.
7. The clock in Puerta del Sol is manually delayed on New Year’s Eve
Did you know that the famous Puerta del Sol clock doesn’t chime exactly at midnight? Every New Year’s Eve, it is manually delayed a few seconds to ensure that the TV signal reaches all households on time. That way, millions of people across Spain can eat their twelve grapes in sync, preserving this beloved national tradition.
Madrid, a city full of surprises
These are just a few of the many fun facts about Madrid waiting to be discovered in every corner of the capital. If your curiosity has been sparked, we invite you to keep exploring the city with us. Check out our ideas on what to do in Madrid or, even better, discover the city on a panoramic tour of Madrid aboard our sightseeing bus.
Get ready to see Madrid with new eyes!
