The San Isidro 2025 festivities in the capital have taken on a special relevance in recent years, driven by an increased interest in local folklore, in part fostered on social networks such as TikTok.
In this new scenario, the expectation for who will give the proclamation has been growing and it has already turned out. Dani Carvajal, player of Real Madrid and the Spanish men’s national soccer team, is in charge of delivering the words that will kick off the Madrid festivities.
The player from Leganés will give the proclamation from the Plaza de La Villa, as usual, on May 8 at 8 pm.
The Giants and Big-heads will also kick off the San Isidro festivities.
After the opening speech, one of the most awaited moments of the San Isidro Festival is the traditional parade of Giants and Big-heads, which delights both children and adults. This colorful parade is made up of emblematic figures of Madrid, such as the chulapos Julián and Mari Pepa, Alfonso VI, La Latina, the mayor of Móstoles, Manolita Malasaña, Muhammad I and La Arganzuela, who have been animating the streets to the rhythm of the dulzaina and the tamboril for more than half a century.
The association in charge of this tradition is formed mostly by young university students passionate about keeping this cultural event alive, striving each year to surprise and spread their joy through the most traditional streets of the city.
The free concerts of San Isidro
Another awaited moment is the music in the different spaces of the festivities.
This year the concert program of San Isidro in Madrid offers a wide variety of music in places like the Parque de San Isidro, Plaza Mayor, Jardines de las Vistillas and Matadero Madrid. From May 6 to 15, performances by Rock Hilarios, Mama Chencha, Toreros Muertos, Ars Amandi, Ángeles Toledano, Amistades Peligrosas, Kokoshca, OBK, Guadalupe Plata, Muchachito Bombo Infierno, Soleá Morente, La Húngara, Modestia Aparte and Los Manolos, among others. These free concerts reflect the musical diversity and festive atmosphere that characterizes Madrid’s festivities. You can check the complete calendar of concerts and locations.