Spain Culture Lifestyle

San Isidro Festival in Madrid

Published by jacko77 on Wed Oct 21st, 2009

San Isidro is the patron saint of Madrid and the public holiday which comes in the same period as the Festival that happens on the 15 May with a range of events.  In the world of bullfighting San Isidro is the one of the worlds largest events which attracts the elite of bullfighters and breeders around the country which is more well known as the Feria Taurina and starts from the middle May to the middle of June.

If you would like to experience this amazing bullfighting and possibly even the best around the world, it is advisable to get your tickets well in advance because they sell out every night during the bullfighting period.

Many of the locals during the time of this festival get dressed up in the traditional clothing and head for the Plaza Mayor where they get ready to do traditional style dancing and experience some great open air concerts during the fiestas which happen throughout the city in varied styles and tastes.

As you walk the streets of Madrid during the festival you will feel the energy and excitement as you come across organ grinders, dancers and on-going street parties that seem to never end during this fiesta. 

The organ grinders are more well known as barquilleros that are dressed in their San Isidro costumes trying to sell the traditional sweets.  Although San Isidro was originally a more religious celebration because of the generosity of San Isidro the poor farmer who would give food to the poor, it is now just a reason to be part of a great street party with an electrical atmosphere.