San Isidro Festival in Madrid Unfolds Amid Criticism of Ayuso’s Mexico Trip. During Madrid’s San Isidro festival, the scandal surrounding Ayuso’s trip to Mexico dominated discussions. The opposition sharply criticized the regional leader’s actions. The medal ceremony took place in a tense atmosphere.
This year, the San Isidro celebration in Madrid was overshadowed by a major scandal involving the recent trip of the regional president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, to Mexico. Amid mass festivities and traditional events, the opposition seized the opportunity to criticize the regional leader's actions, noticeably increasing political tension in the capital.
Not only Ayuso herself drew attention, but also the Madrid Medal of Honor award ceremony. One of the honors went to the president of Fundación Casa México in Madrid, Valentín Díez Morodo. His speech was reserved: he thanked Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida for the recognition, emphasized the importance of dialogue between Spain and Mexico, but refrained from directly commenting on recent events. Ayuso was present in the hall but chose not to make any public statements, taking a seat in the front row and remaining in the background.
Political opponents used the situation to express their views on the regional leader’s foreign trip. Health Minister Mónica García and Más Madrid leader Manuela Bergerot publicly mocked Ayuso, alluding to her preferences and controversial remarks about the conquest of Mexico. Minister of Digital Transformation Óscar López also weighed in, calling May a month of “political farce” for Ayuso. In the assembly itself, the regional leader tried to justify her trip, but her statement that "Mexico did not exist before the arrival of the Spanish" puzzled the opposition.
Meanwhile, traditional festivities took place on San Isidro Avenue attended by deputies, ministers, and municipal representatives. However, for many city residents, political battles faded into the background as public attention focused less on politicians and more on questions of urban infrastructure. For example, Mayor Almeida was met by parents of Amadeo Vives School students protesting against the construction of a nursing home on the schoolyard premises. The situation escalated, and the mayor was forced to quickly leave the scene to avoid further confrontation.
During the festive mass led by the Archbishop of Madrid, José Cobo Cano, tenant union activists unfurled a banner protesting housing market speculation. In recent days, artists have also raised the issue of housing affordability and criticized the actions of city authorities during concerts. Despite political debates, thousands of residents and tourists continued celebrating San Isidro, filling the hills of the tradicional pradera.
The awarding of the capital’s Medals of Honor this year was marked not only by political undertones, but also by individual scandals. In addition to Valentín Díez Morodo, the award was given to scientist Mariano Barbacid, who found himself at the center of a reputational crisis after his pancreatic cancer research was retracted. The third medal was presented to the Guillén Cuervo family for their contribution to Spanish theater. The decision on the laureates was made long before the current events, yet the coincidence of dates gave the ceremony a special resonance.
The scandal over Ayuso’s trip to Mexico became a continuation of the internal conflict within the Partido Popular, as previously reported in the article on russpain.com about disagreements within the party. Security issues, statements about pressure, and the reaction of Mexican authorities continue to be discussed both in political circles and among local residents.
For reference: San Isidro is Madrid’s main city festival, annually attracting tens of thousands of people to traditional celebrations. In recent years, political events have increasingly become an inextricable part of the public agenda even during large festivities. In 2026, attention to the festival was especially high due to its coincidence with an international scandal and internal disputes among regional leaders.
