The inaugural event took place on the afternoon of Thursday, May 7, 2026, from the balcony of the Casa de la Villa, before hundreds of attendees gathered in the Plaza de la Villa. The speech, which marked the start of the festive program, focused on the personal connection with Madrid and its vibrant life.
“"Madrid is part of who I am. The capital is not just a setting, but also a way of living and looking at the world."
Throughout her address, the town crier painted a picture of Madrid full of contrasts, describing it as a fast-paced and demanding city, yet also close and welcoming. Emphasis was placed on the capital's ability to integrate newcomers, making them part of its collective identity.
The proclamation included multiple references to everyday Madrilenian scenes, from neighborhood bars and markets to popular street parties and the hustle and bustle of the city center streets. The mix of chaos and vitality was defended as an essential part of the city's personality, despite being sometimes “imperfect and exhausting.”
Likewise, the value of popular traditions and the cultural significance of San Isidro for generations of Madrilenians were highlighted. The importance of keeping customs such as pilgrimages, chulapos, traditional music, and typical gastronomy alive, adapting them to a modern and diverse city, was underscored. The speech concluded with an invitation to enjoy the festivities with moderation and prudence.
After the proclamation, the Plaza de la Villa hosted the first musical performances and the festive atmosphere that characterizes the beginning of one of the most emblematic events on the Madrilenian calendar. Over the next few days, the San Isidro 2026 program will fill various spaces in the capital with concerts, family activities, shows, gastronomic proposals, and popular celebrations.
