San Isidro, Madrid

San Isidro is the patron saint of the peasants and is also the patron saint of the capital city of Spain, Madrid. On the day of the saint, the people of Madrid actively participate in a pilgrimage to San Isidro's meadow to celebrate his day and to drink the holly water of his fountain in his hermitage's patio. Many people are dressed as chulapo or chulapa (Madrid's national dress), and, despite its religious origin, it is a real country fiesta: people bring with them food for a picnic, and buy barquillos (rolled wafer) and rosquillas.

The celebration of Madrid's patron saint takes several days and many cultural events are offered to the people: contests of chotis -Madrid's traditional dance-, concerts of folk music, or craftsmanship fairs.