Does anyone know what dates the San Isidro Festival will take place this May in Madrid?

I've read that it's wonderful. Anyone know what the highlights are and where it takes place within Madrid?

Gracias.

rainspooner writes: San Isidro is May 15: There are daily bullfights for most of the month of May (in las Ventas) that bring Spain's most popular Toreros to Madrid. There are many outdoor concerts in Parks all around the City, Zarzuelas and other activities. If there is a single focal point, it is la Pradera de San Isidro made famous by Francisco de Goya's painting. It's a city-wide celebration.

Quick note;

San Isidro Labrador(the farmer) is Madrid's (male) Patron Saint so these are the most important local 'fiestas'(festivities) here, and there are several places for the various events each year like concerts, open-air dances(in Madrid called 'verbenas'), etc.... And it's true that for many people the "main thing" is the Festival or 'Feria de toros'(bullfights) which lasts until mid-June and in which the best 'toreros' of the world get to participate.
However, in this occasion the main place to be is 'La Pradera de San Isidro', everybody hangs out there, some(usually older people and children) dressed with the typical 'madrileño' costume so they instantly become 'chulapos' and 'chulapas' (BTW, this outfit is pretty cute and flattering).
There are many traditions involved in this, at the 'Pradera'(prairie) surrounding 'La Ermita(old church) del Santo' most folks sort of picnic, eating 'rosquillas del Santo'(ring-shaped pastries) called 'las listas y las tontas'(the smart ones and the silly ones)(smart ones=white icing), also lemonade, 'churros', 'tortillas de patata', etc....

These are the basics, I'm no expert so, can anybody elaborate a little more on these 'fiestas' so 'castizas'(from Madrid)?

I thought it was Saint Isidore the worker ...

Francisco de Goya y Lucientes did an artist's rendition of la Pradera de San Isidro some 200 years ago. It doesn't seem to have changed very much. Some of the Señoras even still dress in 'period' costumes called Goyescas (not the music/dance, the dress).
BTW
Goya's original painting may be part of the Goya exhibition in Washington, D.C.

In the Plaza Mayor there are regional dances from Spain regions performed by the diferent regional houses the 15th in the morning, and in the evening there are dances performed by the groups of Madrid which usually dance two different kinds of dances: Castellano (more popular) and Goyesco (from dance schools, which represent scenes from Goya's pictures).
There are also some concerts of modern groups and verbenas, the typical places apart from the pradera are the Plaza Mayor and the Plaza de las Vistillas.

I am planning to be in Madrid from June 8th-17th. I was unaware that there is a festival at that time. What do you think? will it be difficult to find hostels during that time?

kelar419, it might be just a little more difficult finding lodging, but you'll be there at the very end of the monthlong bullfight festival in Madrid (May 11th to June 8th), but not much. I wouldn't worry about it. Still, it would be wise to make your reservations now.

Saludos, MadridMan