Spanish Immigration newcomers to Spain can visit: El Rastro in Madrid, the largest open-air market in Europe, which has existed for over 500 years. The meaning of El Rastro refers to blood stains, named after a slaughterhouse that once existed on the mountain, where blood flowed down the streets. The market starts around 9 AM every Sunday, selling everything from famous Spanish products, artworks, antiques, to clothing, second-hand goods, and electrical appliances. The El Rastro flea market is a place frequently visited by Sanmao and Jose. After meeting Jose in Madrid, Sanmao regarded it as her second hometown.
The El Rastro flea market in Madrid, Spain, is only open on Sundays. Take the subway to La Latina station, where crowds come from all directions; you can already see people speaking various languages on the train. Once you get off, there is no need to look for directions; just move slowly with the crowd. At El Rastro, the experience is all about the joy of browsing through the market's alleys; when you find a good deal in a small shop in a narrow alley, you will surely feel a sense of "searching for him a thousand times in the crowd."
The El Rastro flea market in Madrid, Spain, has both old and new goods, with an area selling brand new cultural shirts featuring Lady Gaga or Che Guevara, Indian necklaces, movie posters, and more. The deeper you go into the alleys, the more interesting the items become, with the most being old furniture and second-hand clothing. By 3 or 4 PM, vendors gradually start to pack up, but the crowd will not disperse.
Like almost all second-hand markets in Europe, there are street performers every few steps. At the El Rastro flea market, one might wonder if anyone sings: "Don't ask me where I come from; my hometown is far away." Buying local souvenirs here is a good choice, but be sure to check the goods carefully before purchasing, and it is best to negotiate the price before paying.
Additionally, if you are shopping and traveling in Spain, especially visiting the El Rastro flea market, the market is located on Calle Ribera de Curtidores, and the surrounding alleys are usually crowded. Be cautious of pickpockets while exploring this area, and it is advisable not to carry valuable items; try to minimize hand luggage as much as possible. This introduction to the El Rastro flea market in Madrid will allow you to experience the market that Sanmao and Jose love, and help you find affordable products, achieving two goals at once.