The San Isidro Festivities 2026 traditionally include two parades featuring processional giants, known as Gigantes y Cabezudos. These lively parades will take place on 9, 15 and 16 May, starting out from the Plaza de la Villa, where processional giants depicting illustrious figures from popular culture will dance through the streets of Madrid accompanied by marching bands.
The Gigantes y Cabezudos parade (literally Giants and Bigheads) is one of the most popular traditions of the San Isidro Festivities, enjoyed by both young and old alike. Giant papier-mache figures are born aloft and dance to the sound of dulzainas and tambourines.
These huge, iconic figures of Madrid have been bringing joy to the San Isidro festivities for over half a century: the chulapos Julián and Mari Pepa in their traditional costumes, Alfonso VI, La Latina, Alcalde Móstoles, Manolita Malasaña, Muhammad I and La Arganzuela. The association responsible for putting on this show is made up of a large team whose members share a great passion for these processional giants found all over Spain. They keep the tradition alive and every year strive to amaze and astonish everyone who wants to join in with their revelry through Madrid’s most historic streets.
Friday 8 May: Proclamation of the Festivities Parade
The first procession will take place on the day of the proclamation, on Friday 8 May, setting out from the Madrid Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions at 6:30 p.m. (approximately).
Route: Calle Carlos Arniches-Plaza del General Vara de Rey-Calle de las Amazonas-Plaza del Cascorro-Calle de los Estudios-Calle Toledo-Colegiata San isidro-Calle Toledo - Cl. Tintoreros-Calle de Cuchilleros-Cava de San Miguel-Travesía de Bringas-Calle Mayor- Plaza de la Villa- Pregón - Calle Mayor- Plaza de San Miguel-Calle del Conde Miranda-Pza del Conde de Barajas-Calle de la Pasa-Plaza de Puerta Cerrada-Plaza Segovia Nueva-Calle de Toledo-Calle de Lopez Silva
- Gigantes: Julian and Mari Pepa, Alfonso VI, La Latina, Manolita Malasaña, Alcalde Móstoles.
- Cabezudos: Melones, Cuchares, Lola La Naranjera, Marizápalos, Luis Candelas, El Francesillo, Tía Javiera, Doña Cundis
Friday 15 May: “La Pradera” Procession (“The Meadow”)
The second procession takes place on Friday 15 May and is known as “La Pradera”. It sets off from the Madrid Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions at 8:30 a.m. (approximately).
Route: heading up the Paseo 15 de Mayo from the start of the street (corner of General Ricardos) to the hermitage
- Gigantes: Julián and Mari Pepa, Alfonso VI, La Latina.
- Cabezudos: Cuchares, Lola La Naranjera, Marizápalos, Luis Candelas.
Saturday 16 May: “El Madrid Antiguo” Procession (“Old Madrid”)
The third and final procession will take place on Saturday 16 May at 11:00 a.m., departing from the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions at approximately 11:00 a.m.
Route: Carlos Arniches-Plaza del General Vara del Rey- Calle Amazonas-Plaza Cascorro-Calle Duque De Alba-Plaza Tirso de Molina-Calle Conde Romanones-Plaza Jacinto Benavente-Calle Carretas-Puerta del Sol-Calle Mayor- Cava San Miguel- Calle Cuchilleros-Plaza Segovia Nueva-Calle Toledo-Calle López Silva-Calle Carlos Arniches
- Gigantes: Julián and Mari Pepa, Alfonso VI, La Latina, Manolita Malasaña, Alcalde Móstoles, Arganzuela, Mohammed.
- Cabezudos: Melones, Cuchares, Lola La Naranjera, Marizápalos, Luis Candelas, El Francesillo, Tía Javiera, Doña Cundi
Programme:
- Procession 1: 8 May, 6:30pm (proclamation: 8pm)
- Procession 2: 15 May, 10:15am - 12:15pm
- Procession 3: 16 May, 11am - 2pm
