Camped in the Puerta del Sol and on the Paseo del Prado, these protestors have brought some fresh air into the ossified world of Spanish politics...Madrid's central square has become an urban encampment — with tents, chairs, couches, guitar-playing folks, and air mattresses. A similar scene occurred on the tree-lined boulevard where protestors set up encampments. Madrileños basically ignored the scene, but the rest of the world paid attention to the political ripples.
As I walked through Sol Sunday, 25 July, I found it remarkable how the Spaniards embrace this type of political activism. The ages varied from young to old, radical artist-like to normal folks concerned about the economics and its impact on Spain. In reality, I was walking through a historical point in Spain´s long, intricate history.I read in yesterday´s news that the police had swept through these areas to remove the protestors and their tents in preparation for the visit by the Pope to Madrid in mid-August. In a country where maybe only 4 percent are practicing Catholics, this country still believes itself Catholic.Spain is different indeed!
