The festivities of San Isidro, patron saint of Madrid, are celebrated every 15 May, although in 2025 the activities will be extended from 3 to 15 May, starting just after the Madrid Community Day long weekend (2 May), which makes these dates a perfect occasion for an extended getaway and a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the most authentic traditions of the capital. From Ocean Drive Madrid, we propose four essential plans to experience this celebration with the unmistakable style of OD Hotels.
- Visit the Pradera de San Isidro
The heart of the festivities is to be found in the emblematic Pradera de San Isidro, located in the district of Carabanchel, next to the Paseo de la Ermita del Santo. This space comes alive with activities for all ages.
Enjoy the popular atmosphere, concerts and food stalls.
Stroll among the many stalls offering everything from local crafts to gastronomic delights. Live music takes centre stage here, with concerts spanning multiple genres, creating a most enjoyable festive atmosphere. For several days, this setting becomes one of the key points of the celebrations, with a programme that includes performances by emerging artists, traditional choirs and even flamenco fusion groups. The official San Isidro festivities programme can be consulted at its web.
A perfect plan to experience Madrid's traditions in the open air
La Pradera becomes the meeting point for locals and visitors who want to share the joy of these festivities in a natural and relaxed environment. It is also common to see entire families with their picnic blankets, traditional games and a great desire to have a good time. It is, without a doubt, the perfect place to get into the festive spirit of San Isidro.
- Put on your chulapo or chulapa and feel the soul of Madrid
Dressing up in traditional costume is a way of paying homage to the city's cultural roots and fully immersing oneself in the celebration.
Live the party with the typical clothes that mark the castizo style.
The chulapo attire for men includes **jacket, neckerchief known as "safo"and the characteristic parpusa or chequered cap. For tourists or visitors, there are several specialised shops in the centre of Madrid where you can easily buy or rent these costumes in the days leading up to the festival. The women, for their part, wear tight dresses with ruffles, manila shawl and carnations in the hair. If you come to visit, you can find costumes in specialised shops in the city centre or rent them by the day. You don't have to be born in Madrid to wear it with pride.
Join in the festive atmosphere like a real Madrilenian
By dressing up as a chulapo or chulapa, you join in the traditional dances and festivals, such as the chotisYou'll feel like you're part of the local community. There are even costume competitions and parades where you can show off your attire with grace. And if you can't bring yourself to dress up, at least don't forget your red carnation in your lapel or in your hair.
- Taste the most typical dishes of San Isidro
Gastronomy plays a fundamental role in San Isidro, offering flavours that form part of Madrid's culinary heritage.
Rosquillas listas, tontas, gallinejas and bocadillo de calamares (squid sandwiches)
You can't miss the famous rosquillas del Santo in its varieties: silly (without glaze), lists (with sugar and lemon glaze), of Santa Clara (covered with white meringue) and French (with almonds). To enjoy the most authentic ones, go to the stalls in the Meadow or visit traditional patisseries such asomo El Riojanoin the Calle Mayoror La Mallorquinain the heart of Puerta del Sol, where the tradition has been kept alive for generations. In addition, the gallinejas and entresijos, fried lamb offal, are a must for the most daring palates. And, of course, the iconic squid sandwicha classic of Madrid's gastronomy. The best rosquillas are usually found in the stalls of the Pradera or in traditional pastry shops such as El Riojano or La Mallorquina, mentioned above. You can also accompany them with a lemonade from Madrida very typical dish at this time of the year and perfect for refreshing yourself.
Madrid's cuisine takes centre stage over the next few days
The streets are filled with stalls and stalls where these delicacies can be sampled, turning the meal into a social experience. Many restaurants in the capital join in the celebration with special menus and limited edition dishes inspired by traditional recipes. Some even organise workshops on typical cuisine for those who want to learn how to make their own rosquillas or a good callos a la madrileña.
- Relax at OD Hotels and enjoy the city centre without rushing.
After a day full of San Isidro activities and celebrations, it is essential to have a comfortable and central place to relax.
Stay just steps away from the heart of the fiesta
The hotel Ocean Drive Madrid offers you a privileged location that allows you easy access to the main events of San Isidro, avoiding long journeys and the hustle and bustle of traffic on these dates. In just 15 minutes by taxi, you can be in the Pradera, enjoy a concert or walk to one of the most emblematic restaurants in the neighbourhood of La Latina or Lavapiés.
Relax after a day full of activities in the capital
Our hotels are designed to provide you with maximum comfort, allowing you to recharge your batteries and get ready to continue enjoying the culture. In addition, if the weather is nice, you can relax with a drink on our rooftop overlooking the rooftops of Madrid, or let yourself be pampered with a quiet dinner in our restaurant. Mar Mia.
Experience San Isidro with the style and comfort that only Ocean Drive Madrid can offer you. You can make your reservation directly from the webWe are waiting for you to celebrate together the most traditional party in the capital, with a bit of chotis and a lot of art!
