San Isidro is much more than just a patron saint’s day. It’s a way of life, of sharing, of celebrating. Every May, Madrid fills with carnations, chotis dancing, street parties, traditional sweets and embroidered shawls to honour its beloved patron, San Isidro Labrador. If you’re in the city during the festivities this year, we invite you to experience them like a true local. Pop on your flat cap, drape your shawl and immerse yourself in the most traditional spirit of the capital. Here’s the ultimate guide to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
Start with the opening speech
Everything kicks off with the traditional opening speech (pregón) in Plaza de la Villa. In 2025, the honour will go to Dani Carvajal, player for Real Madrid and the Spanish national football team, who will launch a week packed with events for all ages. From that moment on, Madrid becomes one big celebration, spreading across Plaza Mayor, Las Vistillas, Matadero, and of course, the famous Pradera de San Isidro.
Dress the part: chulapos and chulapas
To really blend in, you’ll need to dress for the occasion. Around Pontejos (next to Puerta del Sol), you’ll find beautiful mantones de Manila (embroidered shawls) and traditional parpusas (flat caps with a houndstooth pattern). Chulapas wear a carnation in their hair, and chulapos sport a neck scarf. Don’t worry if you’re not fully kitted out—what matters most is joining in the fun.
Picnic on the pradera
One of the most typical San Isidro traditions is to spend 15th May picnicking on the Pradera de San Isidro. Locals lay blankets on the grass and share tortilla, empanadas and plenty of limonada—a punch made with wine, lemon, sugar, and fruit (usually apple). The atmosphere is cheerful, family-friendly and unmistakably madrileño. You’ll find food stalls, fairground rides, live music and folk shows. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try the gallinejas, a deep-fried lamb dish that’s as traditional as it gets.
A stop at the hermitage
Not far from the Pradera is the Ermita del Santo, where each year thousands of people come to drink from the miraculous spring. Legend has it that San Isidro struck a rock and water began to flow—and it hasn’t stopped since.
Procession, chotis and street parties
On the afternoon of 15th May, the statue of the saint is paraded through the city in a solemn procession. It starts at the Church of San Isidro and passes through some of the oldest streets in Madrid. Many people wear goyesco costumes—like those seen in Goya’s famous painting The Meadow of San Isidro, on display at the Museo del Prado.
To keep the celebration going, head to Las Vistillas. This is where one of Madrid’s liveliest street parties takes place, with live music, traditional dances, and, of course, the chotis. And if you still want more, Plaza Mayor also hosts a variety of concerts—from pop to flamenco to Spanish operetta (zarzuela).
Sweeten the day with rosquillas
It wouldn’t be San Isidro without rosquillas—traditional doughnuts that come in four varieties: tontas, listas, de Santa Clara and francesas. Not sure which is which? Don’t worry—our tip is to head straight to El Riojano, a century-old bakery on Calle Mayor. While you’re there, stop by the Casa de la Panadería in Plaza Mayor, where you’ll find charming traditional souvenirs like ceramic whistles, fans and barquillos (rolled wafers).
Must-visit places in the life of the saint
To understand more about San Isidro’s life, visit the San Isidro Museum in La Latina. This is where you’ll find the Pozo del Milagro (Miracle Well), said to be where the saint saved his son from drowning. You can also visit Almudena Cathedral, which houses the Codex of San Isidro, a manuscript recounting his miracles. And for art lovers, complete your journey at the Mueo del Prado with Goya’s depiction of the San Isidro festivities.
Feel at home in Madrid
After a day full of joy, music and tradition, there’s nothing better than unwinding like a true madrileño. At Espahotel, we offer spacious, comfortable hotel-apartments with private kitchens, 24-hour reception and unbeatable locations right in the centre of Madrid—just a short stroll from all the major San Isidro celebrations.
Book your stay at
Espahotel
and experience San Isidro like never before: right in the heart of the city, with all the charm of tradition and the comfort of feeling at home. We’ll be waiting with a carnation on our lapel!