Fiesta de San Antonio de la Florida
Every June 13th, young madrileñas visit the Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida to place 13 pins in the baptismal font, hoping the saint will help them find a partner.
Highlights
- The tradition of 13 pins in the baptismal font
- Goya's stunning ceiling frescoes in the ermita
- Verbena atmosphere with live music and dancing
- Traditional rosquillas and churros stalls
- Riverside setting along the Manzanares
The Fiesta de San Antonio de la Florida is one of Madrid's most charming traditional celebrations, held every June 13th at the Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida — a small neoclassical chapel famous for its ceiling frescoes painted by Francisco de Goya.
The main tradition involves young single women ('modistillas') placing 13 pins into the baptismal font and then dipping their hand in. According to tradition, the number of pins that stick to their hand indicates how many suitors they'll have that year.
The surrounding area along the Manzanares river comes alive with verbena atmosphere — live music, traditional food stalls selling rosquillas (ring-shaped pastries), churros and lemonade, and dancing until late.
Gallery
What to Expect
A quintessentially Madrid verbena experience. The chapel itself is tiny, so expect queues to see the baptismal font. The real charm is in the outdoor celebration — locals dressed in traditional 'chulapo' attire, accordion music, and the smell of freshly fried churros.
How to Get There
The Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida is in central Madrid, next to the Manzanares river. The nearest metro is Príncipe Pío (lines 6, 10, R). Cercanías trains also stop at Príncipe Pío station.
Tips & Advice
- Go early to avoid long queues at the ermita
- Take metro to Príncipe Pío station (lines 6, 10, R)
- Try all three types of rosquillas: tontas, listas and Santa Clara
- Visit Goya's tomb inside the chapel while you're there
Plan Your Trip
Book accommodation and transport for this festival. Get the best deals on hotels and train tickets.
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