Festival of San Isidro in Madrid

Festival of San Isidro in Madrid

San Isidro is one of the brightest and the most solemn events in Spain devoted to the patron of Madrid Saint Isidore the Farmer (San Isidro Labrador). The celebration starts on the 15^th of May in the Church of San Isidro. After that, the procession marches all over the city.

The May festival lasts for a whole week. The main squares of the capital, such as Plaza Mayor, Las Vistillas and Plaza de Villa hold different festivals, fairs and special entertainment programs. The unusual feature of the party is the parade of Giant Puppets that can’t be left unattended. The celebration of San Isidro also includes corrida.

The residents of Madrid like to dress up for the parties, and San is not an exception. On this day they wear traditional costumes called “los chulapos”

The man’s suit usually consists of a short jacket with a carnation in the buttonhole and the black tight pants. Men also put the white scarf and the black caged hat. The women’s suit consists of a white blouse, long skirt or a tight polka dot dress. The women’s shoulders are covered with shawl, and on the head they wear the scarves, tied in a knot under the chin (as the peasant women in the old days) and weave the red carnation in their hair.

The culmination of San Isidro is the festive lunch on Plaza Mayor. At this time, the city is full of tourists and city residents, as everybody can taste the traditional Spanish dishes on the main square (for example, tapas or cocido madrileño), wine and sweets.

Spanish people know how to have fun. They fully give in to the party and don’t think about troubles. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate San Isidro in Madrid, and the inhabitants of capital will gladly share their energy and joyful mood with you!