SINGAPORE – Agoda.com, one of Asia’s
leading hotel booking sites and part of Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group
(Nasdaq:PCLN), is offering a list of fantastic hotel deals in Madrid to
celebrate the San Isidro Festival, one of Spain’s most venerated holidays.
Celebrated
on May 15, the festival honors the patron saint of Madrid, Isidore the Laborer,
with parades, food, concerts, and performances ranging from puppet shows to
bull fighting. Locals dressed in traditional costumes – called Chulapas
and Chulapos – prepare all manner of Spanish food for a giant picnic in
San Isidro Park. It’s the perfect chance to see this historic European city at
its most colorful and enjoyable.
The
festival’s history is a long and interesting one, and Isidore himself is an
important facet of the city’s identity. Born into a poor farming family in the
early 11th century, he gained a following due to his piety and
concern for the poor. He is said to have performed several miracles, and was
canonized as a saint in Rome in 1622. For these reasons he is considered the
patron saint of farmers, peasants and laborers.
One
of the most important elements of the festival is a visit to the shrine of San
Isidro, where the faithful drink from a fountain which is said to have healing
powers. Another popular event is the parade, which carries statues of Isidore
and his wife at its head, marching through the streets from Calle del
Sacramento to the Plaza de la Villa.
The
festival is also a great time to see Spain’s most controversial sport –
bullfighting. Held at the iconic Las Ventas arena, bullfights can be seen every
night during the festival, the noise and cheering crowd resembling a concert as
thousands applaud their favorite torero (bullfighter).
Beyond the festival, Madrid’s reputation as one of
the world’s finest places for historical, artistic, and cultural experiences is
evident on every corner. The famous Puerta del Sol plaza is one of the best
places to shop, sightsee, and watch crowds of tourists and locals alike go
about their business. Other must-see attractions are the magnificent Palacia
Real (Royal Palace), the sprawling El Retiro Park, and the museum district,
where one can see everything from Botticelli masterpieces to the oldest known
map showing North America.
To get the most out of a stay in Madrid for the San
Isidro Festival, head to the Agoda Press Center for some recommended hotels
and great deals, and get ready to see Madrid in style.
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