2010 San Isidro Festival in Madrid has already started - even though the capital's patron saint's day isn't until tomorrow, 15 May.

I plan to go tomorrow morning, before the crowds arrive, to the "Pradera de San Isidro" - which is thankfully only about a 20 minute walk away for me. It's just across the river from the Atlético de Madrid stadium.

In past years I'd gone to "Los Jardines de Las Vistillas" (next to the Viaducto) but stopped after it was clear this was nothing more than a huge "Botellón" for youngsters whom pay no attention to the cultural performances going on behind their backs.

Bring on those delicious doughnut-like "Rosquillas de San Isidro" - which only come around this time of year. There are 4 types of "rosquillas": las listas, las tontas, las de Santa Clara y las francesas. My favorites are "las listas". Mmm MMmm Mmmm!

Walking through my neighborhood I've already seen SEVERAL boys and girls dressed up as "chulapos" and "chulapas". They're so adorable.

Oh, and it should be mentioned that the nearly-daily, month-long San Isidro bullfight festival is already in full-swing at the Las Ventas bullring.

Happy San Isidro, Madrileños!

Saludos, MadridMan

wow that was something I never missed when I lived there. I will look at it from tv now,telemadrid hopefully shows something.thanks

Today is a good day to go to the Gran Via, to see the show

I'm watching TeleMadrid now on TV and they're exclusively at the Pradera de San Isidro. I'll be there within the hour! They say there are already LONG LINES to get their "healing power" water at the Ermita.

Ahh... what beautiful traditions. Can't wait to see the dancing and little kids all dressed up. Thank goodness it's cool and sunny today. THANK GOODNESS!

Saludos, MadridMan

I just got back, i went with Jacmom and her daughter and some of her daughters friends met us later on - had paella for lunch and then boquerones, rosquillos and churros too.

Here are a couple of videos I took this morning along the "Pradera de San Isidro" - right in front of "La Ermita del Santo". The first are some wonderful Chulapos y Chulapas dancing "El Chotis". The second is just some dancing and lip-syncing. The videos available in HD as well on YouTube.




I was dying to have lunch/dinner at "La Pradera de San Isidro" but in the end I went alone and was expected elsewhere for lunch. All that food looked SOOOO good. I did have 1 or 2 (or 3) "Tintos de Verano", however.

sallyanne, That's great! How did you meet up with Jacmom!? Did you two know each other before they knew me - or did you exchange mobile numbers after we separated Thursday night?

Now that I'm home I saw on TV how the Gran Vía was not only shut down to traffic but FULL (and I mean FULL!) of people! I'm SO glad I didn't go there. There were a lot of people in "La Pradera" too but it was walkable.

UPDATE: Read my newest blog entry: "2010 Madrid's San Isidro Festival"

Saludos, MadridMan