Here’s a photo from Madrid’s famous El Rastro market of some funny flamenco dress aprons you can buy. They’re a fun and colorful, but the reason I liked these was they say about Spanish culture.
These are one of those things that’s sold in just about every Spanish city and make a silly souvenir. But I snapped a photo of them because I almost never see these for sale in Barcelona. Looking at and comparing the souvenirs that Madrid and Barcelona sell is an easy, visual way to understand one of the big differences between the two cities – Spanish pride.
When I was in Madrid, the exuberant pride in Spanish-ness struck me. Madrid in July was bursting with red and golden-yellow Spanish flags, Spain soccer jerseys for sale with “Campeones 2012” splashed across them after the Euro victory, and lots of ‘typical Spanish’ souvenirs for sale, from bulls to flamenco.
They do sell some of these things in Barcelona, but it’s far less common. It’s rare to see a Spanish flag – the Catalan senyera is the standard. In the Catalan capital, there’s a very strong pride in not being Spanish.
For two cities so close together, Madrid and Barcelona sometimes feel worlds apart.
Besos!
-Jess
I love the colors in this shot!
Thanks!
Such vibrant colours, Jess 🙂 Love it!
Thanks, they were so bright I just had to snap them!
I love learning little details like this! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Fun photo! From what I remember of Madrid and Barcelona…I thought Madrid felt much more proper and yes, Spanish. While, Barcelona felt very laid-back but also kind of gritty.
Yeah, I’d agree with that. They’re definitely different, but I like both of them a lot.
Great colors, excellent shot!!!!
Thank you very much!
Since so many travelers pass through Madrid that souvenir shops and street vendors have no qualms selling Barca football jerseys. I was wondering if the reverse is true in Barcelona–do you readily see Real Madrid souvenirs there?
A lot of them do sell Madrid jerseys, but you might not see them behind the giant display of Barça stuff!
i wish i have seen one whil i was in Barcelona…i would have bought one for souvenir….nice colors!
Yes, they are fun souvenirs! I don’t remember seeing this exact thing in Barcelona ever. It’s hard to find very ‘typical Spanish’ souvenirs here, because they like define themselves as not Spanish.
I’m happy that you portray the differences between Barcelona and Madrid (or the rest of Spain) on your blog. Many people don’t realize of these differences and put Barcelona “en el mismo saco que el resto de Spain”… and I think it’s quite different. {I don’t know the idiom for that in English.}
I bought an apron like these for my sister when I went to Sevilla. I think they are funny.
Thanks! I’d translate that as ‘to lump it in with the rest of Spain.’ It IS really different, but I think you have to see both to understand how.
Gotta love the polka dots on everything! 😉
Madrid kind of reminds me of L.A. I swear I walk those streets sometimes and feel like I’m home.
But Barcelona’s just magical. Definitely one of my favorite capitales!
Just came across your blog. I lived in Madrid in 2008/2009 and your adventures are a nice reminder of that amazing time in my life. My travel partner was named Jessica, and I can still hear “yess–ee-ka” 🙂 If you haven’t done Carnaval de Cadiz, I highly recommend it. Starts tomorrow!
I haven’t done Carnaval in Cadiz, but I heard it’s amazing! I have been to Cadiz, and it’s great, so I’ll have to go back to Carnaval.
They also do a big Carnaval celebration in Sitges, which is a beach town near Barcelona, so that’s where I’m partying this year. It’s famous for its gay community and the parties are amazing!