When the beautiful and long days arrive, many cities organize different events, such as concerts, fairs and street festivals... And it is just before summer when San Isidro, an event of reference, takes place in Madrid.
Next San Isidro will be celebrated from the 11th to the 15th of May 2018.
If you wish to join this festival that is celebrated in the Spanish capital, there is nothing easier than to visit our website and book your Renfe-SNCF in Cooperation high-speed train tickets. We will bring you to the right place!
What San Isidro stands for?
San Isidro is a festival that commemorates the patron saint of the city of Madrid, San Isidro Labrador (Isidore the Laborer), and takes place on May 15.
It is at this time, when large fairs are organized and different shows are offered.
People usually spend time outside and organize large picnics in the parks. The heart of the festival takes place in the district of Carabanchel in the neighbourhood of San Isidro, where hundreds of people meet in the meadow of San Isidro, but it is also celebrated throughout the city with gastronomic weeks, popular dances and many other activities. It is also during San Isidro, when you can attend special sport events as the regattas on the Manzanares River.
“Chulapos” and Cathedral of Almudena
The San Isidro Labrador festival is related to the saint of water. According to the tradition, this festival is celebrated on May 15, when believers drink “water of the saint" from the fountain next to the hermitage of San Isidro. Some celebrate San Isidro as a religious event and according to the tradition, they participate in the religious ceremonies such as the blessing of the fountain, the consecration to the saint and the organization of various masses.
Traditions related to San Isidro
Since the 16th century, it has been a tradition to enjoy nature doing picnics or seating on the grass as in the famous Goya painting La pradera de San Isidro (The Meadow of San Isidro). In the past, people already could buy the traditional doughnuts (rosquillas) of the Saint: the rosquillas of Santa Clara (natural and bathed in sugar), the rosquillas of la Tía Javiera and many others. Nowadays, the different types of rosquillas are still in the spotlight, but also other sweets -toffee apples and other goodies- are offered everywhere at this time of the year… and even salty dishes for those who prefer them.
The fair of San Isidro
San Isidro is also the time of bullfights. Indeed, the fair takes place at the bullring La Monumental de las Ventas in Madrid that was originally called Feria de Madrid (Fair of Madrid). Defended by some, highly criticized by others, it has become a reference among bullfighting enthusiasts over the time, since it is one of the most prestigious ferias in the world.
Bullring of Las Ventas
San Isidro is an ideal celebration to enjoy outdoor activities with your family or friends and there is nothing better than return home on board of a Renfe-SNCF in Cooperation train and talk about the San Isidro celebrations.
