San Isidro Nerja

Marie-Michelle Boende i Nerja
Apr 21
3 min read

San Isidro - party in Nerja 15th of May

During the San Isidro Festival in Nerja, which falls every year on May 15th, the city transforms into a lively folk festival where a large and colorful procession (Romería) travels through the city all the way to Maro.

The day begins with a mass in the church on the Balcony of Europe (Balcón de Europa) and then a statue of the saint, mounted on a simple cart, travels all the way to Maro and the Nerja Caves.

Along the procession, local farmers and their bulls participate, each accompanied by decorated carts and horse carriages. The various stables are represented by riders and their horses, dressed in honor of the day. The procession is a spectacular sight, a feast of colors and sounds, where music and dancing fill the streets.

The procession is relatively long and can take three to four hours to reach the Nerja Caves. It usually reaches the caves around 2:30 PM with a formal schedule of events starting an hour or so later with various awards given to riders, chariots, etc.

Once in Maro (outside the Nerja Caves) there is a folk festival with a large market and party area that lasts all day and into the wee hours. The evening starts with a relatively traditional feel and then slowly transitions to more modern music with dancing and partying.

The market stalls offer everything. You can eat food, buy sweets, ice cream and drink. There are usually musical performances and dancing as well as a giant marquee with dancing. At the horse paddock there are also performances, horse competitions and prize giving. This party invites both young and old to take part in the celebrations, creating a unique sense of community and joy that is characteristic of San Isidro in Nerja.

Along the streets of Nerja and Maro, people sit on outdoor cafes or have picnics to watch the parade pass by and then you can take a bus to the Nerja Caves from Nerja (if you don't feel like walking).

Program San Isidro Nerja 2025

Here we will publish the program for San Isidro Nerja 2025 as soon as it is published.

San Isidro Pictures

San Isidro, from Saint to Folk Festival

San Isidro Labrador is perhaps Spain's most beloved saint, especially revered by farmers and agriculturists. Born in Madrid around 1070, he lived a life of humility and hard work, making him a symbol for agricultural workers throughout Spain and Latin America. Known for his miracles and deep piety, San Isidro is celebrated on May 15th of each year. It is a day filled with festivities, religious processions and, in many cases, an opportunity for communities to showcase their local culture and tradition.

San Isidro in Madrid

In Madrid, where San Isidro is the city's patron saint, the festivities are particularly grand. The celebrations last for several days and include everything from fairs and processions to concerts and a range of folk events. Madrilenians often dress in traditional costumes; men in "chulapo" and women in "chulapa". These outfits are complemented by the typical white handkerchiefs with red dots, and it is not uncommon to see people dancing "chotis", a traditional dance from Madrid. It is a celebration that shows the city's deep historical roots and vibrant culture.

San Isidro, the tradition of Nerja

Although the main festival in honor of San Isidro is held in Madrid, this day is also celebrated with great enthusiasm in the coastal town of Nerja, located in the region of Andalusia. In Nerja, the celebration of San Isidro takes on its own local character, reflecting the unique culture of both the city and the region. Traditionally, the residents gather for a procession that carries the statue of the saint through the city. The statue, beautifully decorated with flowers, is carried through the streets to the sound of traditional music and is followed by the festively dressed Nerja residents.

San Isidro the saint and the feast

San Isidro Day is more than just a celebration of a saint; it is a day when communities across Spain – from the bustling streets of Madrid to the charming coastline of Nerja – come together to celebrate their cultural identity and traditions. In Nerja, as in Madrid, San Isidro Day provides an opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate with great joy and community. Whether it is through processions, food, music or dance, the San Isidro festival is a day where tradition and togetherness take centre stage.