Every May, Colmenar Viejo pays tribute to San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers and a deeply rooted figure in the tradition of the Community of Madrid. This year's celebrations are concentrated on two main days, Friday, May 15, and Sunday, May 17, offering an agenda that merges religious devotion with community activities for all ages.
The festival of the Holy Laborer transcends the purely religious sphere, establishing itself as a meeting point for families and friends, an opportunity to share moments around local culture and customs.
The day on Friday, May 15, will begin with a Eucharist at 8:00 PM in the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady. Afterwards, at 8:45 PM, the procession of the Saint will commence, touring the streets surrounding the basilica, accompanied by the traditional dulzaineros (traditional wind instrument players) of the area. The route will include Calle del Reloj, Plaza de la Berenjena, Calle Capitán Gómez Pinto, Calle de la Feria, Plaza del Pueblo, and Calle de la Iglesia, finally returning to the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady. At the end of the procession, attendees can enjoy a tasting of doughnuts and sweet wine.
On Sunday, May 17, activities will focus on the esplanade of the Hermitage of Santa Ana Extramuros. The morning will start with another Eucharist at 12:30 PM in the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady. At 1:00 PM, the bar-cafeteria will open on the hermitage esplanade, creating an atmosphere before lunch. The highlight of the day will be at 2:45 PM with a popular paella tasting, where hundreds of neighbors are expected to share a meal outdoors.
“"These are days for children and adults to enjoy the social and religious activities organized to celebrate a festival that, every year, brings together hundreds of neighbors. In addition, on Sunday we can enjoy a great popular paella and participate in the raffle of typical products from our town."
The San Isidro festivities in Colmenar Viejo are distinguished by unique elements such as the procession with dulzaineros, the doughnut tasting, and the popular paella, which give it a unique identity among the many celebrations taking place in the Community of Madrid during May.
