LS Weekly Updates
May 17, 2024
Dear Parents,
In the Lower School, we are celebrating Madrid and Spain over two weeks.
First off, we had a wonderful San Isidro celebration with our Early Childhood students on Wednesday. (What a photo opportunity that morning was!)
Then on May 22, our Grades 1-5 children will celebrate Spanish Culture and Learning in our assembly at 10:00 AM. This event will be live-streamed for parents to join in!
Click HERE for the live stream link.
Warmly, Jen
Student Sale for a Good Cause
Global Citizens, 3D Design, and Crochet for All, have joined to raise funds for two NGOs, Soñar Despierto and Abrazo Animal. Soñar Despierto supports children that live in foster homes in Spain; and Abrazo Animal supports abandoned pets.
Students have made unique keychains, stickers, bracelets, amigurumis, and 3D-Design articles! They will be selling these, and new books donated by our library, next Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, May 21, 23 & 24, 3:50-5:00 p.m. outside of the main entrance to the Lower School buildings.
Come and support our students, and children and pets that cannot live with their families!
San Isidro- the patron saint of Madrid 🇪🇸
from Ms. Rosario, our Spanish Culture Ambassador
San Isidro is a Catholic holiday celebrated primarily in Spain, particularly in Madrid, where it is one of the most significant festivals of the year. The holiday honors San Isidro Labrador (Saint Isidore the Farmer) the patron saint of Madrid, farmers, and laborers
San Isidro was born in Madrid in the 11th century and lived a devout life, known for his piety and humility. He was born a farm laborer and is said to have performed numerous miracles throughout his life. He died on May 15th, 1130 and was later canonized by the Catholic Church.
The origins of the San Isidro festival date back to the 12th century when the people of Madrid began to celebrate his feast day with processions, music, dance and other festivities. These festivities feature various cultural, religious, and recreational activities.
In 2024 the San Isidro festival takes place during most of the month of May. The festivities include religious ceremonies such as mass and processions honoring San Isidro as well as secular events such as concerts, dance performances, street fairs and bull fights. The celebrations officially begin with the “pregón” (proclamation), this year offered by the musician David Summers.
One of the highlights of the festival is the “romería,” a pilgrimage to the Chapel of San Isidro, located near the Manzanares River, in Madrid. Thousands of people participate in the “romería,” dressed in traditional costumes and carrying picnic baskets filled with food and drinks to enjoy along the way. Specifically, popular sweets are the “rosquillas” (“listas” and “tontas”), the “barquillos”, and the “churros”, which “madrileños” usually have with hot chocolate.
Throughout the festival, the streets of Madrid are adorned with colorful decorations, and various neighborhoods host their own celebrations with music, dancing (“el chotis” is the typical dance), and traditional food and drink.
Overall the San Isidro Festival is a joyful celebration of faith, culture, and community, bringing together people from all walks of life to honor the patron saint of Madrid and to celebrate the city's rich cultural heritage.
More information will be shared next week about this end-of-year event:
