Madrid takes to the streets to celebrate, with the permission of the May 2 party, one of its most important events in the calendar of Madrid residents: San Iisidro Labrador. For almost 10 days (since May 5, specifically) the city has been carrying out a series of activities and celebrations in honor of its patron saint, for the leisure and enjoyment of its neighbors..

However, it will be this weekend, May 13 and 14, in which the bulk of the activities planned by the City Council will take place, until they culminate on Monday, May 15, the official day of the patron saint and a festival in many municipalities and towns in the Community of Madrid.

Origin of San Isidro Labrador

The origin of the festivity is in Isidro, a farmer born in Madrid, around the year 1080, in the bosom of a humble family.. Initially he worked as a well, although later he would dedicate himself to agriculture. He married Santa María de la Cabeza and the most striking of his life are the miracles attributed to him: up to a total of 438.

Miracles that are counted from making the water of a spring sprout by hitting a rock with his rod, going through supplying food to the most needy. Thus until reaching those 438 miracles in total that are attributed to him and for which the Pope, Paul V, issued the Decree of beatification on him..

“We perpetually concede and are amused that Isidro Labrador can be called Blessed, and that of him, as beatified, on the 15th day of the month of May an office can be prayed”. That is why, every May 15, the city celebrates this festivity around its patron saint..

Celebrations Saturday May 13

As we have mentioned before, part of the bulk of the activities organized by the Community of Madrid will take place this weekend. For this reason, throughout various emblematic points of the city, such as the Plaza Mayor, Las Vistillas or La Pradera, among others, a series of activities will be carried out designed for all types of public among Madrid residents: from the smallest , who will enjoy workshops and activities designed especially for them, like the rest of the citizens. Every Madrileño knows that the classic chulapo and chulapa clothing is ideal for dancing this dance, which dates back to 1850..

The chotis was danced for the first time at the Royal Palace, at a party organized by Isabel II. The musicians played the Roman polka “Schottissh”, which over time the people of Madrid would end up making their own and which would give rise to the chotis, as it is known today.. To the sound of a barrel organ and in pairs, the chulapa revolves around the man and he in turn rotates on its own axis. That is why for the chotis you only need a tile to dance.