Update 30 October 2026
- 30 October: no march route or rally for 11 November is announced in the sources read; the Sindicato de Inquilinas is due to publish a calendar of assemblies and rallies, and CCOO and UGT measure the strike by mass afternoon demonstrations across the country. Minimum services were still not published; see the general strike page.
- Renfe: the drivers' strike of 29 October is past. The Government Delegation in Madrid publishes the declared gatherings.
Situation today, 27 October 2026
- Puerta del Sol camp: set up since 27 September in front of the Real Casa de Correos, seat of the Community of Madrid government. Between 1,000 and 2,000 people and about 500 tents according to sources in late September and early October. On 5 October the Madrid High Court of Justice refused the immediate eviction requested by the Community (Euronews, 5 October). It was one month old on 26 October; the groups are debating whether to leave and focus on the general strike or stay (elDiario.es, 26 October). The city council has issued 180 fines around Sol for drinking alcohol or using drugs and for lack of cleanliness (Artículo 14, 15 October).
- Government Delegation: the Government Delegate in Madrid, Francisco Martín, resigned on 25 October after being left off the PSOE lists; his successor is awaiting confirmation (elDiario.es, 26 October). The Delegation continues to publish the declared gatherings.
- Strikes: indefinite strike of public-school teachers since 14 October, with marches in the centre to the Education department and the Assembly of Madrid (elDiario.es, 26 October; democrata.es, 19 October); university strike on 4 and 5 November on six campuses; Renfe train drivers' strike on Thursday 29 October, with 75% minimum services at peak hours on Cercanías (Infobae/EFE, 26 October).
- Next date: Wednesday 11 November, 24-hour general strike (see the dedicated page). No protest route was announced for that day as of 27 October; the Sindicato de Inquilinas is due to publish a calendar of assemblies and rallies (Que.es, 23 October).
- Elections: general elections on Sunday 29 November 2026; the campaign starts on the night of 13 November (elDiario de Madrid, 7 October). Expect campaign rallies.
Calendar of protests and events in Madrid
| Date | Event | Places affected in Madrid | Effect for visitors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Since 27 September | Housing camp | Puerta del Sol (Real Casa de Correos) | Very busy square, council fines |
| Since 14 October, no end date | Indefinite strike of public-school teachers, marches in the centre | Education department, Assembly of Madrid, Atocha | Rallies, occasional road closures |
| Thu. 29 October | Renfe train drivers' strike (Semaf), 24 hours | Atocha and Chamartín stations | Cercanías and trains reduced (75% at peak on Cercanías) |
| 4-5 November | University strike | Six campuses of the Community of Madrid | Disruption on campuses |
| Mon. 9 November | Almudena festival, local public holiday | Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral | Shops closed, crowds in the centre |
| Wed. 11 November | 24-hour general strike by CCOO, UGT, CGT and the Sindicato de Inquilinas | Whole city; rallies possible at Sol and Cibeles | Reduced services; see the dedicated page |
| Fri. 13 November | Start of the campaign for the 29 November election | All of Spain | Meetings and rallies |
| Sun. 29 November | General elections | All of Spain | Campaign rallies before the vote |
| 6-8 December | Constitution Day and Immaculate Conception | City centre | Long weekend of several days, heavy crowds |
| 31 December to 5 January | New Year at the Puerta del Sol and Three Kings parade | Puerta del Sol, Cibeles | Streets closed, dense crowds |
No strike specific to the Madrid metro, EMT or Aena was found for the coming weeks as of 27 October 2026; the Renfe strike on 29 October affects Cercanías. A strike by Community of Madrid doctors is announced for late October (elDiario.es), with no effect on transport.
Where they march in Madrid
- Puerta del Sol: the city's zero point and the site of the camp. The Puerta del Sol is also a hub for the metro (lines 1, 2 and 3) and Cercanías.
- Cibeles: the end point of the 3 October march, in front of the Cibeles Palace (city hall). See the Cibeles Palace.
- Gran Vía and Plaza de España: frequent starting points and routes. The Gran Vía is often cut.
- Atocha: start of the south column; the station is a major rail hub, see Madrid's train stations.
- Congress of Deputies: political rallies concentrate there, ten minutes on foot from Sol.
The Government Delegation in Madrid publishes declared rallies; if in doubt, check the local press the same morning.
Metro, buses and trains
- Metro: no closure announced for street protests. Trains run, but the Sol, Callao or Banco de España stations can be overcrowded; if a station is closed, a notice says so.
- EMT buses: lines in the centre are diverted around rallies; allow 20 to 30 extra minutes.
- Barajas airport: metro line 8 and Cercanías C-1 are enough outside a strike day; see Madrid-Barajas airport.
- 11 November: see the general strike page; minimum services are not published.
For general rules and the calendar, read Strikes and protests in Madrid: calendar and tips, and for transport, Getting around Madrid.
Tourist sites: what may close
- The Royal Palace and the Plaza Mayor are ten minutes from Sol; access may be filtered by police.
- The Prado Museum and the Retiro Park are away from the camp, but close to Cibeles, the end point of marches.
- On a general strike day, some museums and public services may close or cut their hours; check the museum's website in the morning.
What to do instead
When Sol and Cibeles are packed, aim for the Retiro, Madrid Río, the Temple of Debod or the La Latina district. A guided walking tour often starts at the Plaza Mayor or Sol: choose a meeting point away from the day's rallies. In rain, see What to do in Madrid when it rains.
What if you were injured in a crowd surge? It is unlikely if you keep your distance from rallies, but it is not impossible. Outside the European Union, an emergency visit or a night in hospital in Madrid is charged in full. A health and repatriation insurance (SafetyWing, bought online, for the length of the trip) covers care and the trip home. It does not cover trip cancellation. See our travel insurance guide.
Practical tips
- Do not join rallies to film them; strike pickets can block access.
- Watch your belongings in crowds: pickpocketing is common around Sol.
- Keep a cancellable booking for the hotel and visits on 11 November.
What to do safely during the protest
Here is a plan B to keep your trip going without taking risks.
- Areas to avoid on protest days: Sol, Cibeles, Atocha, Colón, plaza de España.
- Outing away from the marches: Toledo and Segovia, day trip, far from the squares where people march.
- Calm hotel, free cancellation: hotels in Salamanca, quiet area, refundable if your plans change.
FAQ
Is there a protest in Madrid today?
As of 27 October 2026, the Puerta del Sol camp was the only permanent gathering found in our sources; no march was announced for today. Check the Government Delegation.
Is the Sol camp dangerous?
The central government calls it a "civic" gathering, while the city council and the Community consider it illegal (ara.cat, October). The crowds make the square noisy and dense: keep your distance in the evening.
Should I cancel my trip to Madrid?
No: the disruption affects a few squares and a few hours. Keep changeable tickets for 11 November.
Sources checked on 27 October 2026: elDiario.es (1, 3 and 26 October), Público (3 October), Euronews (5 and 15 October), Artículo 14 (15 October), ara.cat (October), elDiario de Madrid (7 October), Que.es (23 October), democrata.es (19 October), Infobae/EFE (26 October). This page will be updated with the gatherings announced by the Government Delegation.
