This year, in mid-May, Madrid once again fills its streets with joy and entertainment for the celebration of San Isidro, one of the most deeply rooted festivities in Madrid's culture.

The day of the patron saint of Madrid, San Isidro Labrador, is May 15th, and to commemorate it, an endless number of activities are organized, ranging from the most traditional, such as the pilgrimage to the Pradera de San Isidro or the San Isidro Bullfighting Fair, to a full program of music and entertainment spread throughout the city.

As every year, the festivities begin with the parade of giants and big heads, followed by the reading of the proclamation in the Plaza de la Villa by a famous personality.

The entertainment of these festivities is provided mainly by the stages set up throughout the city. For several days, music, traditional activities and a wide range of programs for the youngest members of the family will take place in different locations.

There is also space for religious ceremonies, among which the blessing of the water of the fountain and the consecration to the saint, the mass in the Collegiate Church of San Isidro and the Eucharist in the Chapel of the Cuadra de San Isidro.

In addition, the most important personalities of the bullfighting world gather in the Plaza Monumental de Las Ventas in Madrid for the Feria de San Isidro, the most prestigious bullfighting event on the international scene.

Another of the most typical events of Madrid's culture is the pilgrimage to the Pradera de San Isidro, where it is traditional for the chulapos and chulapas to drink the "water of the saint" that flows from the spring near the Ermita de San Isidro.

It is customary to accompany this snack tradition with lemonade, made with wine, lemon, sugar and chopped fruit (usually apple); and doughnuts, of which you can choose between the "tontas" (with egg), the "listas" (with egg and icing sugar), the "Santa Clara" (with a layer of white meringue) and the "French" (with almonds).

As the culmination of these days of celebration, there is a spectacular fireworks display to end in style.

More information: San Isidro 2024

Image: San Isidro 2024©