4 authentic ways to celebrate San Isidro in Madrid

San Isidro, the patron saint of Madrid, is celebrated every 15 May. In 2025, the festivities will take place from 3 to 15 May, right after the long weekend for Madrid’s regional holiday (2 May), making it the perfect excuse for a spring getaway. At Ocean Drive Madrid, we invite you to experience four essential plans to enjoy this unique local celebration, all with the unmistakable style of OD Hotels.

• Visit the Pradera de San Isidro

The heart of the festivities is the iconic Pradera de San Isidro, located in the Carabanchel district, next to the Paseo de la Ermita del Santo. This open green space bursts into life with activities for all ages.

Soak up the atmosphere: music, food stalls and good vibes

Wander through stalls offering everything from local crafts to traditional snacks. Live music takes centre stage, with concerts in various genres setting the festive tone. For several days, the Pradera becomes one of the key spots for the celebrations, hosting emerging artists, traditional choral groups and even flamenco fusion bands. You can check the full programme on the official San Isidro website.

A perfect plan to enjoy local traditions outdoors

The Pradera is where locals and visitors come together to enjoy the spirit of San Isidro. It’s common to see families with picnic blankets, classic games and a great mood. Without a doubt, it’s the best place to feel the soul of the celebration.

• Dress up as a chulapo or chulapa and embrace the Madrid spirit

Wearing the traditional outfit is a fun and respectful way to dive into the local culture.

Show off the most “castizo” style

The men’s outfit includes a waistcoat, a white scarf around the neck known as a safo (a simple cotton neckerchief), and the iconic checkered cap known as a parpusa (a flat cap typical of Madrid's traditional working-class fashion). Women wear tight-fitting dresses with flounces, a fringed mantón de manila (a richly embroidered silk shawl with Asian origins, traditionally worn in Spanish festivities) and red carnations in their hair. If you’re visiting, there are plenty of rental or specialised shops in central Madrid where you can pick up or hire these outfits in the days leading up to the festival.

Join in like a local

By dressing up, you can join in the open-air dances and verbenas, including the traditional chotis. Some events even host costume contests and parades. And if you don’t feel like going full traditional dressed, just wear a red carnation on your lapel or in your hair to show your festive spirit.

• Taste the most traditional dishes of San Isidro

Food is at the heart of San Isidro, with iconic recipes that are pure Madrid.

Rosquillas, gallinejas and calamari rolls

Don’t miss the famous rosquillas del Santo in their four traditional varieties: tontas (plain), listas (sugar and lemon glaze), Santa Clara (white meringue topping), and francesas (with almonds). For the best ones, head to the Pradera’s food stalls or try historic bakeries like El Riojano near Calle Mayor or La Mallorquina in Puerta del Sol, both legendary local favourites. For more adventurous foodies, try gallinejas and entresijos, deep-fried lamb offal dishes. And of course, the iconic bocadillo de calamares (fried squid sandwich), a staple in Madrid’s food scene. Pair everything with a refreshing glass of traditional limonada madrileña (a local wine-based punch)

The streets fill with flavour

During San Isidro, Madrid’s streets turn into an open-air feast. Food stalls pop up everywhere, and many local restaurants offer special menus or limited-edition dishes inspired by traditional recipes. Some even host cooking workshops, where you can learn to make your own rosquillas or classic callos a la madrileña.

• Stay at OD Hotels and enjoy the centre at your own pace

After a full day of fun and culture, there’s nothing better than coming back to a quiet, central hotel.

Stay just minutes from the heart of the action

Ocean Drive Madrid offers a prime location that gives you easy access to the city’s main San Isidro events, without long commutes or traffic headaches. In just 15 minutes by taxi, you’ll be at the Pradera, or you can enjoy dinner on foot in La Latina or Lavapiés.

Unwind in comfort with a touch of style

Our hotels are designed for total relaxation, letting you recharge and get ready for more. If the weather’s nice, enjoy a drink on our rooftop with views of Madrid’s skyline or treat yourself to a peaceful dinner at our Mar Mía restaurant.

Celebrate San Isidro with the charm and comfort that only Ocean Drive Madrid can offer. Book your stay now via our official website. We’ll be waiting to celebrate Madrid’s most traditional festival with you, with a little bit of chotis and a whole lot of flair!