High Heel Race

On 2 July, Pelayo Street will once again be the place where heels matter more than speed and where the finish line becomes almost a theatrical entrance. As part of Madrid Pride, the traditional Carrera de Tacones will take place here, one of MADO's most recognisable and boisterous events.

Photo by facebook.com/orgullomadrid

Photo by facebook.com/orgullomadrid

Participants must complete the course in high heels, keeping their balance amid laughter, music and a crowd of spectators filling the street. But this race has long since ceased to be merely a competition: along the way, there must be time to change clothes, choose accessories and put on lipstick without losing rhythm or style.

The entire route becomes an improvised open-air stage, where the excitement of the competition mingles with drag culture, carnival aesthetics and street performance. Hundreds of people follow each edition from both sides of the street, and for a few hours Pelayo becomes one of the loudest and most chaotic places in summer Madrid.

This year, the race will celebrate its 27th edition and will be presented by Chumina Power.

 C/ Pelayo