We arrive in Madrid on the morning of 5/11 and (unfortunately must) leave the morning of 5/15. We'll be staying near Plaza Mayor. I know that is during the San Isidro Festival. Anyone participated? What should we expect? Is everything still open? Any tips on what not to miss...or what to avoid? I've read a lot online...but hoping to hear from folks ho have actually been there. Gracias!
It doesn’t seem like a huge festival like many others. Here’s a link from the Spain.info website on the festival. As you will be near the Plaza Mayor, you’ll be near many of the activities. There are also cultural events at Retiro Park, and daily bullfights at Las Ventas bullring.
The desination360 website has additional information including, “ Head to the Plaza Mayor for the liveliest and most accessible Fiesta de San Isidro 2022 events. There is a Metro stop at the Plaza, making this the easiest way to get there. Local residents, dressed in traditional costume partake in dancing to the accompaniment of guitars and tambourines. In the Casa de Campo Park to the west of the plaza, there are huge open-air rock concerts that are small music festivals in their own right.”