12 October in Madrid: what happens and what is closed

12 October is Spain''s national holiday, and Madrid feels it more than anywhere else, because this is where the parade happens.

The parade

In the morning, along Paseo de la Castellana, with aircraft flying over the centre. If you want to see it, go early and expect closed streets and some metro exits shut.

What is closed

It is a national holiday: banks, offices, public administration and most small shops close. Large supermarkets usually open, but do not assume.

If you have paperwork pending — an immigration appointment, the padrón, the bank — do not leave it for that week.

The alternative plan

It is a perfect day to leave Madrid: commuter trains run and Toledo or El Escorial are quieter than on a normal Saturday.