Economic turmoil and a royal abdication send more Madrileños to the streets to express themselves.
By Elizabeth Jones
MADRID- In Madrid, protests are a frequent outlet for expressing political opposition, demanding change, and spending time with friends, operating both as free expression and social cohesion. Protests increased following the economic crisis of the 2000s and led to the formation of 15M, a political movement that refused to follow government policies on protests. Opinions on the recent abdication of Spain’s king has played out on the streets of Madrid, leading to multiple demonstrations pushing for a referendum on continued recognition of the crown and counter-protests in support of the king.
‘Madrid as Text’ multimedia elements:
Republic and Monarchy: Can They Coexist?
For the first time in decades Spain has a new king while at the same time proclaiming a democratic government.
Victimhood in Madrid: How best to remember city’s fallen
Spain’s past is full of anguish from terrorist attacks to war.
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Forgetting to Spit
Spain finds difficulty in dealing with its past.
How Madrid remembers and forgets the Franco era
Almost 40 years after Franco’s death, the dictator’s legacy is still disputed.
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One Madrileño’s memories of the Spanish Civil War: Adapting to stay alive
By Natalie Allen MADRID – Carlos Iradier, 88, was only 17 when the Spanish civil war began, but instead of fighting, Iradier volunteered to fix telephone cables around Spain. Even at a young age, Iradier had been able to adapt to difficult situations in order for him to keep living his life in peace, according… Continue reading One Madrileño’s memories of the Spanish Civil War: Adapting to stay alive
A Day in the Life of Puerta Del Sol.
A first hand look at a day in the life of one of Madrid’s most popular and visited spaces from the perspective of the plaza itself.
Street artists add character to Madrid’s center
Entertainers create a fun atmosphere in a historical setting in Madrid.
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Green space as public space, the part it plays in Madrid life
Balancing the grey with the green.
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From Gray to Green: The Madrid Rio Project
What was once a 10-lane highway is now a park that brings inner and outer Madrid into a shared green space.
Catholic Church still a cornerstone of Spanish culture
Exploring the complex relationship Madrileños have with Catholicism and religious expression.
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Corpus Christi, a central celebration for Spanish Catholics
A look into the process and celebration of the Corpus Christi holiday.
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The Night Life of Puerta de Sol
Puerta de Sol is the beating heart of Madrid’s nightlife, serving as the central hub of activity in the city.
Partying in Madrid: In the pursuit of forgetfulness and fun
Whether it’s the music, the drinks or the dancing, each aspect of partying provides freedom for Madrileños
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Public Expression in Madrid: ‘The streets belong to us’
For Madrileños the use of public space for expression is a basic right
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Famed Madrid restaurant Sobrino de Botín relies on family
The González family has owned and run Sobrino de Botín for three generations, but will the fourth generation continue the tradition?
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The history of Sobrino de Botín
MADRID – Before Sobrino de Botín was a restaurant, it was a single-story home and cellar, believed to have been around since the 16th century. It was not until the 18th century that the French cook, Jean Botín, and his wife bought the home with plans on making it an inn. The original home was… Continue reading The history of Sobrino de Botín
People come together around food and the places it’s eaten
Food is more than a meal to Madrileños, it’s intended to be enjoyed with those that they love
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Madrid street art fills the neighborhood with color
Transforming Lavapiés into a work of art.
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Madrid’s Street Art: Vandalism or civic good?
The city’s public spaces have become surfaces for expression on issues such as public policy, the economic crisis and everyday life in Spain.
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La Tabacalera: a gallery of graffiti in Madrid
Building in Lavapiés revamped for local artists from the inside out.
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La Tabacalera: Madrid´s home for legal graffiti
Once-vacant building in Lavapiés neighborhood gives city’s street art a home.
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The 3 Faces of Madrid’s Soccer
Soccer club fandom in Madrid often follows cultural and class differences.
Soccer in Madrid: 3 Teams, 1 Sport, 1 People
Soccer, or futbol, in Madrid is more than just a sport, it’s a lifestyle.
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Madrid as Text
Berry College multimedia journalism project finds “a society that lives in the streets”