The Arganda del Rey Town Hall will allow bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to close later on Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, due to the Carmen Festival of La Poveda.
The Arganda del Rey Town Hall has authorised an extraordinary extension of closing hours for leisure and hospitality venues during the Carmen Festival of La Poveda, which will take place on Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, 2026. This measure will allow bars, restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs in the municipality to extend their activities later than usual, aiming to facilitate the development of the scheduled festivities and events.
Special Hours for the Nights of July 17 and 18
According to the Town Hall, on Friday, July 17, hospitality and leisure establishments will be allowed to remain open until 3:30 AM on Saturday, while on Saturday, July 18, closing will be extended until 4:00 AM on Sunday. This extension applies to venues both in the urban area and those located in the La Poveda district, the epicentre of the festivities.
The decision, made by the Department of Festivities and Citizen Security, aims to balance popular celebrations with the economic activity of the hospitality sector, one of the most affected by usual closing restrictions. The Town Hall indicates that this is an exceptional measure that is repeated each year during these significant dates.
A Breather for Local Hospitality in the Height of Summer
For the hospitality businesses in Arganda, this extension represents an economic boost during a key time of year. Establishments will be able to offer dinners and drinks well into the early hours, taking advantage of the pull of the festivities, concerts, and outdoor activities organised by the Town Hall. Sector sources estimate that the increase in revenue could be around 30% compared to a normal weekend.
The measure also affects terraces and outdoor seating, which can remain set up during the entire authorised hours, provided they do not obstruct pedestrian passage or access to emergency services. The Local Police will conduct checks to ensure compliance with noise limits and the sale of alcohol to minors.
Recommendations for Neighbours and Attendees
The Town Hall recommends that residents living near leisure venues close windows and doors during the early hours to minimise noise disturbances. Additionally, a special public transport service (shuttle buses) will be provided between La Poveda and the centre of Arganda during the nights of July 17 and 18, with service every 20 minutes from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM.
Attendees of the festivities should keep in mind that drinking alcohol in public spaces remains prohibited outside designated areas, and the Local Police will intensify surveillance to prevent large gatherings. Fines for violating the coexistence ordinance can reach up to €750.
“We want everyone to enjoy the festivities responsibly. We have extended hours so that the hospitality sector can operate and residents can have fun, but we ask for civility and respect for rest,” municipal sources state.
Carmen Festival Programme 2026
This year's Carmen Festival of La Poveda will include concerts by orchestras, popular festivities, children's activities, and fireworks on Saturday, July 18, at 11:30 PM. The complete programme is available on the Town Hall's website and on information panels throughout the municipality. The celebration, which honours the Virgin of Carmen, is one of the most deeply rooted in Arganda's festive calendar.
Residents wishing to file noise complaints can do so via the Local Police phone number (91 871 00 11) or through the incident form on the municipal website. The Town Hall reminds that the extended closing hours are a special authorisation and not a permanent rule, so normal hours will resume from Sunday, July 19.
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