08 May What to do in Madrid during San Isidro 2024?

Madrid enthusiastically celebrates the San Isidro festivities from May 3-15, 2024, one of the city’s most iconic events honoring its patron saint, San Isidro Labrador. During these days, the streets are filled with music, joy and tradition, offering a unique experience for locals and visitors. The San Isidro 2024 festivities promise a variety of events and activities that reflect Madrid’s rich culture, from concerts and attractions to traditional verbenas. Join us in this blog to discover all that Madrid has to offer during these festivities and how to make the most of the city.

1. Visiting the San Isidro Meadow

The Pradera de San Isidro is the epicenter of the festivities and a place that mixes tradition and fun. Every May 15, the meadow fills up with locals and visitors willing to spend a day outdoors, enjoying Madrid’s most famous traditions.

From the early a.m., the meadow comes alive with live music, fairground rides, food and drink stands, and stalls offering a variety of products. The pilgrims gather to step on the grass and leave the asphalt behind, while sharing laughter and moments in the company of friends and family.

The festive atmosphere is contagious, and the meadow offers something for everyone: activities for children, gastronomic options to satisfy all tastes, and music that accompanies attendees throughout the day. If you want to immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the San Isidro festivities, the Pradera is the perfect place to do it.

2. ENJOY FREE CONCERTS

During the San Isidro festivities in Madrid, free concerts are a fundamental part of the celebrations. From May 3 through May 15, different parts of the city, such as the Pradera de San Isidro, Las Vistillas and Plaza Mayor, host performances for all tastes and ages. The chulapos and chulapas dress to the nines, complementing their attire with carnations, while the city fills with joy and music.

The musical program of 2024 is worthy of a moderately massive festival and features artists such as Russian Red, Azúcar Moreno or Ralphie Choo, among others. In addition, you can enjoy concerts by Café Quijano, DJ Nano, Edurne, Mägo de Oz, Nancys Rubias or Los Punsetes. There are also activities for children, such as parades, circus shows, storytelling and children’s games.

If you want to know the full program of activities and concerts, visit the official website, where you will find detailed information on schedules, artists, venues and other scheduled activities.

3. ATTEND BULLFIGHTS

The Plaza Monumental de las Ventas in Madrid is the epicenter of the Feria de San Isidro, which will be held from May 10 to June 16, 2024. It is the most prestigious bullfighting event in the world, with 21 bullfights, 3 novilladas and 2 festejos de rejones. There are 59 participants, including matadors, rejoneadores and novilleros, as well as 25 stud farms representing different breeds of bulls.

The program also includes rest days on Mondays, as well as special events such as the Extraordinary Charity bullfight and the In Memoriam bullfight in honor of Antonio Chenel “Antoñete”. In addition, the fair pays tribute to the National Police on its bicentennial with a special bullfight that will feature prominent bullfighting figures.

The poster for the 2024 San Isidro Fair is starring Cayetana Rivera Martínez de Irujo, who was awarded the “Youth and Bullfighting” prize. Designed by Juan Iranzo of Plaza 1’s Communications Department, the poster pays tribute to the traditional bullfighting posters of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, highlighting its genuinely Spanish pictorial art of international recognition. You can consult the complete program of the fair in this link.

Sculpture of a bullfighter in front of Las Ventas bullring

4. VISIT THE HERMITAGE OF SAN ISIDRO

A visit to the hermitage of San Isidro is a special way to pay homage to the patron saint of Madrid during the San Isidro festivities. This historic hermitage is located on a hill with panoramic views of the city, making it a perfect place to enjoy the beautiful scenery while participating in the celebrations.

The hermitage was built in honor of San Isidro Labrador, who according to tradition, performed numerous miracles in Madrid, including the appearance of a spring in the rock where the hermitage is located. Visitors can observe the well and the water that still flows, considered miraculous by devotees.

In addition to its religious value, the hermitage is a place of great beauty and tranquility. Its traditional architecture and natural surroundings offer a unique experience. During the holidays, many Madrileños flock to the hermitage to pay homage to the saint and enjoy a moment of reflection.

5. TASTE THE TYPICAL GASTRONOMY

During the San Isidro festivities in Madrid, gastronomy plays a fundamental role in the celebration. It is customary for Madrileños to gather in the Pradera de San Isidro with baskets full of typical food, such as tortilla de patatas, olives and lupines, to share with friends and family. In addition, the star drink of these festivities is limonada madrileña or “limoná”, a refreshing mixture of lemon, white wine and apple, which can be enjoyed in the bars and stalls of the city’s most traditional neighborhoods, such as La Latina, Chamberí and Las Vistillas.

Sweets also play a leading role during these celebrations. San Isidro doughnuts, with their four varieties (silly, ready, Santa Clara and French), are a classic sweet that cannot be missed during these celebrations. The city’s pastry shops display their best versions of these doughnuts, which you can find both in emblematic stores and in stalls in the Pradera. Each type of rosquilla has its own characteristics, from the simplicity of the tontas to the dry meringue of the Santa Clara ones.

Finally, casquería is another important aspect of the gastronomy during San Isidro. The food stalls offer zarajos, entresijos and gallinejas, different parts of the lamb fried, which are a delicacy for the most traditional food lovers. In addition, if you are looking for a non-alcoholic option, you can try the water of the saint, which comes from a spring near the hermitage of San Isidro. These culinary experiences are an essential part of the celebration and reflect the richness of Madrid’s gastronomic tradition.

San Isidro Doughnuts

The San Isidro festivities are a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Madrid. From verbenas and concerts to bullfights and typical gastronomy, there is something for everyone. The city fills with life and color, offering an unforgettable festive experience for residents and visitors alike. If you have the opportunity to be in Madrid during these festivities, don’t hesitate to participate in the various activities and enjoy the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that characterizes this celebration. Get ready to live a few days full of joy, music and tradition!