Festival of Saint Isidro

Madrid’s patron saint is celebrated on 15th May, and for a week around that date, the city hosts a whole spectrum of street parties, concerts, processions and bullfights, culminating in fireworks over the lake in Retiro Park.

The main festival is in Parque de San Isidro, beside the Manzanares River, where Isidro performed miracles during the 11th century, while other events pop up across the old town.

Many Madrilenos dress up in traditional garb called chulapo – men sport checked waistcoats and caps, while women wear lace dresses with fringed shawls and carnations in their hair. This time of year is a vivid, festive and cultured time to get to know Madrid.