Spanish Culture

San Isidro is the patron saint of peasants and the city of Madrid.

On May 15^th San Isidro Day is celebrated in honor of the figure, an event that attracts a wide range of activities and public performances to the city.

On this day, people participate in a pilgrimage to the San Isidro meadow where they celebrate and drink holy water from the small church fountain.

In honor of the event, many people dress in traditional clothing from Madrid called “Chulapo” or “chulapa” costumes. Although the festivities are technically religious in nature, the celebration has become a national event in which people picnic in the outdoors.  Some typical foods include barquillos (rolled wafers) and rosquillas (a type of Spanish donut).

The patron saint of Madrid is honored throughout the city over several days with a wide variety of events and performances including “chotis” traditional dance contests, folk music concerts, and craft fairs.