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The night that transforms Madrid: concerts and festivities for San Isidro
Madrid completely changes pace this 15 May. San Isidro takes the festivities back onto the streets, turning parks, squares and gardens into open stages where music mixes with fairs, rosquillas and neighbourhood atmosphere. The city experiences one of those nights when it is hard to stay at home.
Pradera de San Isidro concentrates much of the activity. The programme begins at 20:30 with Pablo Pueblo DJ Set, warming up the atmosphere before one of the night's most anticipated moments: Las Ketchup's concert at 21:30. Shortly afterwards, at 22:30, Los Chunguitos y familia take over with a performance that blends rumba, nostalgia and songs spanning generations. After midnight, Tiraya and Patatonstereo DJ Set turn the meadow into an improvised dance floor until closing.
At Las Vistillas, the day starts much earlier. From 12:30, La Hora del Vermú brings together Gilda Club, Yahaira and Digues DJ Set in a session designed to accompany the first terrace gatherings and the aperitif. In the afternoon, the Premios Rock Villa de Madrid begin at 18:00, with emerging bands taking centre stage. Camellos closes at 21:45, with one of the most anticipated live sets among young audiences.
Plaza Mayor opts this year for a more classic and emotional tone. At 21:30, the Banda Sinfónica Municipal de Madrid and Nuria Fergó present a tribute to Sara Montiel among coplas, boleros and popular songs. With the illumination of the historic centre and terraces full, the concert promises one of the most recognisable images of Madrid's night.
Matadero Madrid also recovers the spirit of the traditional street party with Orquesta Gran Rockset from 20:30. Popular covers, songs for dancing and a family atmosphere turn Madrid Río into another of the celebration's hot spots.
Every year, San Isidro acts as an X-ray of the city. Some experience it through the most traditional local customs, while others simply take the opportunity to string together free concerts between neighbourhoods. For a few hours, Madrid stops moving in a hurry and swaps traffic for music, full squares and people occupying the streets until late.