Each year on 15th May, parts of Spain celebrate the patron saint of labourers and, in particular – farm workers – with a festival known as Dia de San Isidro.
Just outside of Montefrío is a small chapel known as Ermita de Ruiz Perez where people from across the area come together to make tribute and celebrate the feast day of San Isidro. With farming such a huge part of every day life in this region of Spain, this festival is always well attended and celebrated.
The day starts with a short service in the chapel and a procession across the nearby farmland with an effigy of San Isidro and Sta. Maria de la Cabeza. After which, celebrations continue through the afternoon and into the evening with something for everyone, music, food and dancing.
The sign outside the chapel reads:
La agricultura es la profesion propia del sabio, la mas adecuada al sencillo y la ocupacion mas digna para todo hombre libre.
Agriculture is the proper profession of the wise, the most appropriate to the simplest and the most dignified occupation for every free man.
At this time of year, much of the surrounding areas of the chapel is full of wheat and poppies which glisten across the meadows as far as the eye can see. To experience the colours in person makes a visit to this part of Spain in May well worth it!
