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The festival of San Isidro is the patron saint of Madrid and is dedicated to a farmer from the 12th century: Isidro Labrador. Thus, every May 15th it is traditional for the people of Madrid to go to the meadow of San Isidro and celebrate together the day of the patron saint of Madrid.
This tradition actually began to originate in the 16th century. At that time, customs such as eating with family and friends on the lawn of the meadow, drinking from the fountains of the San Isidro Chapel, eating traditional sweets such as rosquillas del Santo (or “tontas”, uncoated doughnuts; “listas”, with sugar coating; “Santa Clara”, etc.), making the pilgrimage to the Chapel, as well as dancing the quintessential Madrid dance: a chotis dressed as a chulapo and chulapa (a typical dance of Madrid) began to take place on that day in May.
Everything you need to know about the Fiestas de San Isidro 2023
When are the San Isidro fiestas in 2023?
The 15th of May is the day of San Isidro Labrador. But the most traditional ceremonies and dates of the San Isidro Fiesta are from Friday 12 May to Monday 15 May.
The official programme of festivities is presented on Friday 5 May.
Where are the San Isidro festivities held?
The San Isidro fiestas originate from the Carabanchel neighbourhood and the Pradera de San Isidro. And it is known, as it is documented, that in 1619 the Plaza Mayor of Madrid was inaugurated during the celebration of these festivities. Furthermore, Goya’s painting ‘La pradera de San Isidro’, dated 1788, depicts this traditional fiesta.
In 2021, the festivities of San Isidro were declared an Asset of Cultural Interest and have been celebrated throughout the city and province for several decades. Although, even so, the Meadow, together with the Hermitage of San Isidro, continue to be the most emblematic places for its celebration.
Programme of San Isidro Festivities 2023
The Madrid City Council and other private organisations organise official events, popular dances, concerts, gastronomic days, bullfighting fairs and other special activities to celebrate the festival of San Isidro in all the neighbourhoods and districts of Madrid.
The San Isidro events not to be missed
- The opening speech at the beginning of the festivities. This takes place on 10 May at 8 pm from the balcony of the Plaza de la Villa. This year, the opening speech will be given by the singer Ramoncín.
- Traditional parade of giants and big-heads that follows the opening proclamation of the festivities with the following route: it starts at the Museum of Arts and Traditions of Madrid and ends at the Junta de Distrito Centro.
- Concerts and live music for all tastes: Carolina Durante, Estrella Morente, Belén Aguilera, the group Cariño y Cupido, Alice Wonder, Marta Sánchez, Chimo Bayo or Alba Reche.
- Zarzuela performances in the Retiro Park.
And many more events throughout various districts of the city of Madrid.
This is the official poster for the Fiestas de San Isidro 2023!
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