13-21 May 2005

Spain is renowned for its fiestas and Madrids biggest takes place in May. San Isidro is the Spanish capitals patron saint and the Fiesta de San Isidro provides Madridlenos with a fitting opportunity to dress up in their traditional castizo and strut their stuff to the flamenco, Latin, and jazz rhythms that permeate the streets. There are folkloristic plays, stand-up shows and live music to take in. Temporary outdoor theatres appear all over the city and are accompanied by a plethora of stalls serving local specialities like cocido (a stew), aubergine and buuelos (fritters filled with custard, cream, jam or even beer!). The fiesta does kick off with some semblance of a religious festival as locals pay homage to San Isidro at the local shrine, however, the real partying gets underway quickly and continues unabated for close to ten days solid.

Takes place at locations throughout the city.