Hola a todos!! In episode three of When in Spain I guide us around the Feria de San Isidro in Madrid and take in the sights, sounds and flavours. To hear all the festivities hit play on audio player above and immerse yourself in all things Feria!

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What is a feria?

In short, it’s an annual festival that takes place in practically every town and city across Spain between Spring and Autumn. Each feria usually lasts around a week and celebrates local traditions, music, dance, food and some of them have religious connections, such as Madrid’s San Isidro.

If you’re thinking of the cliché of flamenco, girls in bright coloured figure-hugging dresses wearing flowers in their hair…

My advice for anyone who’s never been to a feria. Go! It’a raucous induction to the España profunda – deep Spain. In my opinion some of the most lively and colourful ferias are in Andalucía in southern Spain. If you’re thinking of the cliché of flamenco, girls in bright coloured figure-hugging dresses wearing flowers in their hair and jugs of Rebujito flowing like water,  (Sherry mixed with lemonade) this is as close as it gets. The big ones in the south are in Seville, Malaga, Cordoba and Cadiz.

Other ferias

Of course, not all ferias are made in Andalucía. There are a few others which are well-known. Pamplona in the north of Spain has it’s San Fermín, the one where people get chased by bulls through the city’s narrow streets, usually resulting in more than few drunken guiris getting trampled. Valencia, on the east coast has Las Fallas, a deafening feria where towering fallas – cardboard and paper-mâché figures are burned to the ground and a daily explosive barrage of coordinated firecracker and fireworks displays called Mascletàs take place. Not for the faint-hearted. Bring your earplugs. Once was enough for me.

…and in Madrid, San Isidro

So where does that leave Madrid’s Feria de San Isidro? Meh. For me it falls short. Nada especial. I only say this because considering Madrid is the capital city, its feria is pretty low-key which surprises me considering Madrid is renowned for its buzzing nightlife and lively ambiente. That said, it certainly has a charm to it and a curious history.

San Isidro (Saint Isidore) is the Catholic Patron Saint of Madrid and the Patron Saint of Farmers. (1070 – 1130?) His full name is San Isidro el Labrador,