No te pierdas las fiestas de San Isidro

As tribute to Madrid’s patron saint, San Isidro Labrador, a festival is organised that occur in a parallel way to the city’s activity. It is a traditional festival but it cannot be compared to the Fallas or San Fermín, which brings the city to a standstill; in fact, there are many locals that do not even know that the festival is going on.

That is why you must be alert to the programme in order not to miss any of the most important events. One of them, not advised for those who do not enjoy big crowds, is the traditional pilgrimage of the 15th of May, the day of San Isidro, a bank holiday in the Spanish capital. It takes place in the fields that surround the saint’s chapel, in the Carabanchel district, an event which then turns into a massive picnic that obviously includes plenty of the city’s favourite dish: the cocido. The climax comes at midday, with the mass that takes place in the catholic temple of the Real Colegiata de San Isidro, followed by the blessing of the waters of an annexed spring by the Archbishop of Madrid.

During the days around the 15th of May, many concerts take place in the area of Las Vistillas, with artists such as Kiko Veneno, Rosana or Carlos Goñi. The music is complemented by performances by Universimad inside the Complutense University, and street-music performances that take place in the Plaza Mayor.

If this festival is famous for something, though, it’s for its popular bullfights: 24 bullfights, 3 training fights and 4 spear runs from the 8th of May until the 7th of June. Among the first swordsmen is the charismatic Morante de la Puebla, a legendary figure of modern-day bullfighting, and other big names like Julián López, El Juli or Sebastián Castella, for whose bullfight on May 27th there are no tickets remaining.

Whether you are coming to see the bullfighting or you are dropping by in the city, do not miss out on this festival. The best way to do it is to stay in the heart of Madrid, by the Puerta del Sol. Stay with us and enjoy our website’s special offers.

Photo: Barcex via Wikimedia Commons. License CC 2.5.

Categories: Eventos Madrid