2º Primaria: Where we are in Space and Time

 Community of Madrid


Click on the link below to see three different flags for the Community of Madrid and what they mean.

Pick 2 of them to draw in your tourist brochure.


Transport in Madrid

Look at the pictures below and see what types of transport were used in the past:

Los Borbones

Industrial Revolution

Electric Trams


Words you might need:

Horses, horse and cart, walking, wagons, carriages, cars, electric trams


Look at these pictures of transport in the present day in Madrid and write them down in your tourist brochure:



Interesting towns and villages in the Community of Madrid

Look at the information below and pick 4 towns to write about in your tourist brochure. 

First, find it on your map of the community of Madrid and colour it in.

Then, write down some interesting and important information about the town.

You can include some information about traditions and festivals.

Lastly, draw and colour a picture for that town in the space given.


🏰 Madrid – The Capital City

Madrid is the heart of Spain! It's where the King and Queen live in the grand Royal Palace. You can visit the Retiro Park, where you can row boats on the lake and watch puppet shows. Don't miss the Prado Museum, home to famous paintings. And if you love animals, the Madrid Zoo has pandas, dolphins, and more!​

The Prado Museum

The Retiro Park

The Royal Palace

San Isidro in Madrid

The San Isidro Festival on 15th May celebrates Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of Madrid. The festivities include pilgrimages, street parties, fairground attractions, and various traditional shows that represent 'Madrilenian authenticity'. People wear traditional “Chulapos” and “Chulapas” clothes, wear red and white carnations and eat traditional food such as:cocido madrileño, tortilla de patata, bocata de calamares, barquillos y rosquillas.






📚 Alcalá de Henares – The Storybook Town

Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote, was born in this town. You can visit his house, which is now a museum. Alcalá is also home to one of the oldest universities in Spain. Every year, there's a fun festival called Complutum Renacida, where people dress up like Romans and have parades! ​ 






🤴 Medieval Market

In late August, Alcalá de Henares transforms into a medieval village. Streets are filled with stalls selling crafts, people in historical costumes, and performances that take you back in time. It's like stepping into a fairy tale!​


👑 Gigantes y Cabezudos

During local festivals, giant figures called "Gigantes y Cabezudos" parade through the streets. These towering characters dance and entertain crowds, delighting children and adults alike. ​ 



🌳 Aranjuez – The Royal Garden Town

Aranjuez is famous for its beautiful Royal Palace and vast gardens filled with fountains and flowers. The town sits by the Tagus River, where you can enjoy boat rides. The Plaza de Toros, a historic bullring, is one of the oldest in Spain! ​ 





🎈 Hot Air Balloon Festival

Aranjuez hosts a spectacular hot air balloon festival where colourful balloons fill the sky. Families gather to watch the balloons ascend, creating a magical scene with the Royal Palace behind it.




🏞️ San Lorenzo de El Escorial – The Mountain Town

Nestled in the mountains, this town is home to the Monastery of El Escorial, a massive building with a palace, church, and library all in one! You can hike up to the Silla de Felipe II, a special spot where King Philip II used to sit and enjoy the view. ​ 




🌸 Romería de la Virgen de Gracia

Every September, this town celebrates the Romería de la Virgen de Gracia. People dress in traditional costumes, decorate carts, and participate in a joyful pilgrimage accompanied by music and dancing. ​

Christmas Nativity Scene

Every year the town of El Escorial turns into Bethlehem (Belén) with more than  600 life-sized figures representing life at the time of the birth of Jesus.



🏰 Manzanares el Real – The Castle Town

Manzanares el Real sits at the bottom of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains and has a beautiful castle. The Castillo de los Mendoza is a grand fortress with towers and stone walls. You can imagine being knights or princesses as they explore its halls and learn about medieval times and there are also sword fights in the gardens during the summer.




🎉 Festivities

  • Cristo de la Nave Festival (Mid-September): This is the town's patron saint festival. It features sports activities, concerts, dances, and a procession through the main streets. After the procession, lemonade is offered in the town square, followed by dances lasting into the night .​


    • Medieval Fair (June): The town transforms into a medieval village with craft stalls, traditional food, and entertainment like jugglers and falconry 



🏘️ Chinchón – The Square Town

Chinchón is famous for its beautiful Plaza Mayor and rich cultural traditions.

The Plaza Mayor is a charming square surrounded by balconies. It's the heart of the town and hosts various events throughout the year.​


🎉 Festivities

  • Medieval Market (February): During Carnival, Chinchón reverts to its medieval era. People dress in historical outfits, and the streets fill with artisan markets, live music, and traditional food .​ 

  • Feast of the Virgin of Grace (October): This festival includes traditional bullfighting in the Plaza Mayor, religious processions, and a community auction where residents donate items for a charitable cause .​ 


🏘️ Patones – The Hidden Village

  • Patones is a tiny village with black stone houses and narrow streets. It was once a secret kingdom called the Kingdom of Patones because of it’s location, hidden high in the mountains! It's a great place for a family hike, and you might even spot some mountain goats!

     



    Festivities:

    The patron saint of Patones is la Virgen de Candela on 2nd February, when the Virgin has a procession throughout the village.

    The Feast of San Juan is also celebrated in June, with music, street celebrations, dancing and children’s activities.