Isidore the Labourer, was a hired hand in the service of a wealthy landowner, on a farm near Madrid (c. 1070 – 15 May 1130). He was known for his piety toward the poor and animals. He is the Catholic patron saint of farmworkers and agriculture in general. His feast day is celebrated on 15 May.
His hometown of Madrid and many cities throughout Spain and various locales in the former Spanish Empire, honour him as their patron saint. The US National Catholic Rural Life Conference claims him as its patron. San Ysidro California and San Ysidro New Mexico, were named after him. The celebrations on May 15th each year, are known as Romerias an expression reflecting travel to Rome as a religious pilgrimage. It as a Catholic celebration that consists of a procession in cars, floats on horseback or on foot, that ends at a sanctuary or hermitage.
Christina Sinclair
Co-ordinator
Nerja History Group
email:nerjahistorygroup@yahoo.com
www.nerjahistorygroup.com