The Comunidad de Madrid has wrapped up the sixth edition of Hispanidad, attracting over 1 million spectators, the highest attendance ever recorded, and representing an increase of more than 10% from the previous year.
Under the slogan Todos los acentos del español caben en Madrid (All accents of Spanish fit in Madrid), the event filled parks, squares, and cultural spaces from 2 to 12 October with over 200 scheduled activities.
Live music was the standout feature, drawing nearly 700,000 people to venues such as Plaza de España, Plaza Mayor, and the multi-use esplanade at Madrid Río. Among the most celebrated performances were those at Plaza de España, including Colombian singer Sebastián Yatra on Saturday and Marta Sánchez the following day, with Venezuelan artist Carlos Baute concluding the performances at this location.
Plaza Mayor hosted renowned Cuban trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, the flamenco-jazz fusion group Ibérica Suite, classical melodies from the Community of Madrid Orchestra and Choir (ORCAM), and a flamenco gala from Corral de la Morería. Meanwhile, the Madrid Río esplanade got audiences dancing to the sounds of Cuban artist Aymée Nuviola, Cimafunk, Lin Cortés and his band, as well as the rock vibes of 091, among others.
A highlight of Hispanidad 2026 was the Grand Parade, which took place on 4 October, attracting over 300,000 spectators along Madrid's Gran Vía for the third consecutive year. The parade featured 15 floats and 4,500 participants, including artists, dancers, skaters, acrobats, music bands, and theatre companies, with delegations from various countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the United States and territories like Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
This year, the United States was the guest country, with a programme that included tributes and events celebrating its Hispanic influence. Attendees enjoyed performances from the World Street Brass Band of New Orleans, a film cycle dedicated to Carmen Amaya and Antonio el Bailarín's experiences in the United States, and the NFL Culture Club Madrid experience, alongside forums, conferences, and exhibitions.
Family-friendly activities were also a focus, featuring clown shows, circus acts, magic, acrobatics, and puppet performances in the Gardens of the Palacio de Vista Alegre and Parque de Santander. The traditional pyromusical show to celebrate 12 October took place in Plaza de Cibeles, along with numerous theatre productions and dance performances.
Additionally, the Mexican festival Agave y Maíz at Puente del Rey attracted 50,000 attendees who sampled the best tacos, while the Madrid corre en Español race saw 5,000 runners passing iconic landmarks such as Parque del Oeste, Plaza de España, and Casa de Campo. In Plaza de Las Ventas, a 'sold out' sign was posted as 23,000 tickets were sold for the return of bullfighter Morante de la Puebla.
To commemorate the National Day on 12 October, the façade of the Real Casa de Correos, the regional government headquarters, was illuminated in the colours of the Spanish flag, displaying the flags of the 22 Spanish-speaking countries and the United States, this year's guest at Hispanidad 2026.
