(I hope this is the best category for this question!)

This August 15 is a Spanish national holiday (Feast of the Assumption, in Madrid called Virgin de la Paloma - according to GoMadrid.com).

How will this affect things in Madrid, good or bad? Will there be anything special to see or do because of the holiday? Conversely, will stores, restaurants, museums be closed on that Friday?

It is a Spanish National holiday, and many places won´t be open during the day. The night shift is a different matter. Brace yourself for the biggest street party ever!!!!

Andrés

I've heard that it is a 3 day celebration, is that true? Because I am coming for a wedding on the 8th (not mine, I wish, um hi, citizenship?) and staying until the 18th...thanks to the board, I'll be at Pension Chueca....Is it mostly in La Latina and if so, where is it centered? Thanks.

There are streets parties going on from the 7th on but the big thing takes place on the 15th weekend. My two favorites places are:

For Food: La Moreria st
There are many street food stands there in a park

For sheer partying:
Almendro st
Lots of young people, drink street stands everywhere, music, street decorations......
But my advice is to investigate from there the party, it spreads in quite a wide area.

Andrés