A festival that highlights Madrid's identity
From March 12 to 14, Madrid will become a brilliant canvas with the celebration of LuzMadrid 2026, an international festival that promises to dazzle citizens and visitors. This event, now in its third edition, will feature 15 artistic interventions by renowned creators, who will use light as a medium to tell stories and highlight the cultural heritage of the capital.
This year, the festival moves to the south of the city, focusing on the Arganzuela district. According to Delia Piccirilli, the artistic director of the event, Matadero will serve as the epicentre of Madrid's industrial heritage. “We want this festival to not only shine in the historic centre but also explore and celebrate the unique identity of our neighbourhoods,” Piccirilli stated during an interview.
Throughout the night route, attendees will be able to enjoy light installations in iconic locations such as the Glorieta de San Víctor and the neo-Mudéjar complex of El Águila. These spaces will be transformed into visual narratives that evoke the history of working-class housing and repurposed architectures. The director also highlighted the Frontón Beti Jai, recently awarded the 2025 National Restoration Award, as a must-see stop for art and history lovers.
LuzMadrid will not only be limited to the more well-known areas; it will also encompass less conventional but equally significant spaces. The surroundings of Madrid Río and the Palacio de Cristal de Arganzuela will host some of the festival's largest works, taking advantage of their spaciousness to create immersive experiences. Additionally, strategic points in Retiro and Chamberí will be included in this luminous route.
Despite being a free event designed for the whole family, Piccirilli has suggested that Madrileños plan their visit to avoid crowds. “Light offers us a new perspective on our buildings; it reveals details hidden by our daily routine,” she concluded. With hours from 19:30 to 00:00, LuzMadrid promises to be an unforgettable experience that invites a rediscovery of Madrid in a new light.
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