The festivities of San Antonio de la Florida are one of the most beloved and traditional celebrations in Madrid, and in 2025 they will once again fill the banks of the Manzanares with life and atmosphere around the emblematic chapel that houses Goya’s frescoes. This festivity, which is celebrated every June 13, combines devotion, centuries-old customs, free activities and a musical agenda that runs until June 15.
The pilgrimage of San Antonio de la Florida is famous for the tradition of young marriageable girls, who come to the hermitage to ask the saint for a good groom, throwing pins into the basin and counting how many stick as an omen of suitors. Although the hermitage will remain closed for conservation works during part of 2025, the devotion and the celebration are maintained in the surroundings, with the participation of neighbors and visitors in the religious and popular events.
The day begins with the traditional mass and the blessing of the “breads of San Antonio”, which are distributed among the attendees along with cherries, another symbol of the festival. It is common to see Madrilenians dressed as chulapos and chulapas and goyescas, keeping alive the traditional spirit of the festival.
The hermitage of San Antonio de la Florida, besides being a center of popular devotion, is an artistic reference for the frescoes of Goya and for housing the painter’s tomb. Although in 2025 it will not be possible to visit the interior due to construction work, the surroundings continue to be a meeting point for the people of Madrid, who every year renew the tradition of celebrating the saint with music, dance and food.
Concerts and free activities for everyone
The San Antonio de la Florida festival is also synonymous with music and fun. The Bombilla Park (Avenida de Valladolid, 4) and the Paseo de la Florida become the stage for free concerts, performances by orchestras and popular music groups, as well as DJ sessions to liven up the night. This year’s program has yet to be confirmed.