San Isidro: Madrid celebrates its patron saint
Madrid · 📅 13.05 – 17.05 · dates approximate
San Isidro honours Madrid's patron saint with concerts, dancing and picnics. Madrileños dress as chulapos and chulapas and gather at the Pradera de San Isidro, the scene Goya painted over two centuries ago.
Fun facts
- Saint Isidore was a farm labourer who lived in Madrid in the 11th and 12th centuries.
- Goya's painting of the Pradera de San Isidro hangs in the Prado Museum.
- Pilgrims drink water from the saint's fountain, believed to have healing powers.
What to see
- The picnics and dancing in the Pradera de San Isidro.
- Free concerts on Plaza Mayor.
- Goya's paintings in the Prado Museum.
What to taste
- Rosquillas tontas y listas, festival doughnuts with or without icing.
- Bocadillo de calamares, a fried squid sandwich.
- Limonada, a wine punch made with fruit.
What to do
- Learn the chotis, Madrid's traditional dance.
- Visit the hermitage of San Isidro.
- Stroll in Retiro Park.