Spain’s most famous market: El Rastro de Madrid, sights, sounds & history – WIS024

When in Spain

In this week’s When in Spain episode I take us on a wander around El Rastro, Madrid's sprawling outdoor market where you can find almost anything. Whether visiting as a tourist or living in the Spanish capital, El Rastro flea market is a must-see and is one of the most 'castizo' things you can experience in the city. Whether visiting as a tourist or living in the Spanish capital, El Rastro flea market is a must-see. I survey what's on offer at the weekly market, from antiques, to denim jackets, to plastic dolls and pots and pans, the Rastro almost has it all. Even the largest collection of rubber bands you've ever seen. Taking in the sounds of traders, live music, bird whistles and music boxes, I trace the market's 400 year history. I look at how a royal decree banished traders from the centre to set up their stalls in La Latina neighbourhood and how Madrid's riverside slaughterhouses helped give the market its bloody name. “The Rastro's vendors are a heterogeneous lot, but those in antiques shops are likely to be world weary and half blinded by their own cigarette smoke. Sage and canny, they assess the quality of the potential client even before the latter has evaluated the merchandise.” Madrid’s tourist webpage link about El Rastro here You can listen to this episode and all of the others on the platforms below Apple Stitcher Android Google podcasts TuneIn Spotify FOLLOW WHEN IN SPAIN 📺Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/2SOrKrL 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Join the When in Spain Facebook Group. https://bit.ly/2CdDgWt 📷Follow on Instagram to see photography from across Spain. https://bit.ly/2D5p6IJ WANT TO SUPPORT WHEN IN SPAIN? 💚 Make a small donation $1-$5 via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wheninspain WHAT IS WHEN IN SPAIN? The When in Spain show is a weekly podcast show, recorded in Madrid (and other parts of Spain) where l talk about my ‘warts and all’ observations and insights on life and culture on the Iberian peninsular. I cast an eye on everyday life, people, places, politics, culture and history and attempt to give an honest opinion from a Brit who has a love-frustration relationship with Spain. I shall attempt to dispel or indeed confirm Spanish stereotypes through my ramblings and see if I can delve into the Spanish psyche. ..................................................................................................................... WHO THE HELL IS WHEN IN SPAIN? I'm Paul Burge, former BBC journalist, Hispanophile and Manchego lover. A Brit, born in Oxford and living in Spain for almost 5 years. I currently live in the centre of Madrid. ..................................................................................................................... CONTACT [e-mail]