Madrid! Celebrating San Isidro (May 15th)

Chulapos dancing the Chotis

Celebrating San Isidro in Madrid

If you're traveling to Madrid during the first half of May, you're in for a treat! The feast of Madrid's patron saint, San Isidro, is on May 15th and during the days leading up to it you will get to see locals getting into the spirit.

The Chotis

The photo above is of Chulapos dancing the Chotis. The Chotis a customary dance in Madrid. During the first half of May each year you might have the good fortune to see Chulapos performing it in some of the more central plazas such as the Plaza de Oriente, La Puerta del Sol, and the Plaza Mayor.

What are Chulapos?

Chulapos people dressed in the outfits typically worn by the people in the Malasaña neighborhood of Madrid at the beginning of the 19th century. Back then, citizens of Madrid dressed differently depending on the neighborhood where they grew up and lived. The most traditional classes, proud of their situation in society, sought to differentiate themselves from the French social elite (very present in the society of the time) whom they despised. This is when the identity of the current madrileño (Madrid native) really started to be established. A series of typical characters emerged, with very marked differences depending on where they were from in Madrid. Among them were the Chulapos of the Malasaña neighborhood. And the Chulapo eventually came to be representative of the whole city.

Patron Saints

In Spain and other countries, cities and towns have patron saints. The patron saint is chosen as the protector of the locality. The choice of patron saint is often based on some presumed relationship. Madrid's patron saint is San Isidro Labrador (Saint Isidore the Laborer). When speaking about the annual festivities, it is often shortened to just San Isidro. According to Wikipedia, Isidore the Laborer "was a Spanish farmworker known for his piety toward the poor and animals. He is the Catholic patron saint of farmers, and of Madrid..." and his feast day is celebrated on May 15th. Isidore was born near Madrid into poverty and eventually worked as a farm laborer. In this role he was witnessed performing various miracles which you can read more about on Wikipedia.

Chulapo Processional Giant

Gigantes y Cabezudos (Processional Giants with big heads)

Chulapa Processional Giant

San Isidro Celebration

Although you will be able to see evidence of the festivities all over the city, officially organized events will unfold primarily at the Matadero Madrid, la Plaza Mayor, la Pradera de San Isidro, and Vistillas gardens. There are many things planned this and every year, including more than 50 free musical concerts and typical foods. You can find more specifics here and at the official site which is in Spanish (thee official schedule of events is generally not available in it's entirety until early May. One thing we hope you get to see other than the Chotis being performed are the Gigantes y Cabezudos (Processional Giants with big heads, photos above). In 2024 it was held on May 10th at 6PM in the Plaza de la Villa (on Calle Mayor west of the Plaza Mayor). This will likely be scheduled at a similar date and time each year. Update: in 2025 it's on May 10th at 11:30 AM. Following is from the official brochure (translated from Spanish):

Giants and Big-Headed Figures - Street Parade   May 10, 11:30 AM

Old Madrid: Departure from Plaza de la Villa at 11:30 AM, following this route: Calle de los Señores de Luzón → Plazuela de Santiago → Calle de Santiago → Royal Palace (via Plaza de Oriente) → Calle Bailén → Calle Mayor → Calle del Sacramento → Plaza de Puerta Cerrada → Plaza Segovia Nueva → Calle de Toledo → Calle de López Silva, ending at the Museum of Arts and Traditions around 2:00 PM.

Have you been in Madrid for this celebration? Drop us a comment and let us know or tell us about your most treasured memory of Madrid.