San Isidro festival

Celebrate festival of the city’s patron saint – every year in the month of May, the city celebrates San Isidro festival in honour of Madrid’s patron saint. The festival announces the onset of the spring. The festivities lasting for 5 days include costume parades, musical concerts, and dancing and activities involving children. During the festival, women and men get dressed in the traditional costume of Madrid. Locals engage in dancing and performing typical regional dance known as Chotis. The highlight of the festival is the Pradera of San Isidro. People flock to the shrine of Saint Isidro in the morning, followed by a picnic in the Pradera. The celebrations are accompanied with eating typical doughnuts known as Rosquillas. Las Ventas bullring organises afternoons of bullfighting programmes featuring some of the world's best matadors. Las Vistillas beyond Puente de Segovia become a venue for musical concerts. If you happen to be in Madrid in middle of May, do not miss it. Witness traditional customs of Madrid, and enjoy the festivities with merry making.