Two days after the burial of the sardine, the” Entierro de losBarrios” ( Burial of the Neighborhoods) will take place, with a protest and protestcharacter . This Friday, neighborhood associations and groups in the Centro district are organizing a march against the saturation of tourist housing and the lack of public aid.
The demonstration will begin at6:00 p.m. in the Plaza de la Provincia, next to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and will maintain a humorous and critical tone, according to the Regional Federation of Neighborhood Associations of Madrid.
A symbolic mourning
Housing in Madrid. | Editorial credit: Shutterstock
Mourning will be staged for the death of Centrina the sardine, a symbolic character representing the loss of the neighborhood’s soul in the face of tourist accommodations and predatory dynamics on residents.
This fictional story tells how the sardine was one of the most beloved members of the neighborhood and remained dead in her home for two days, as she had only tourist apartments around her instead of neighbors. It was the “smell of fish” that finally alerted a visitor and led to the discovery of what had happened.
With the wake, the Federation of Associations aims to “highlight the weariness with a city model that expels its residents.” It also seeks to show a reality, as it is estimated that there are between 15,000 and 20,000 illegal tourist apartments in Madrid, exceeding the 5,000 social housing units.
“Madrid belongs to us”
Demonstration for public health in the city center. | Editorial credit: Regional Federation of Neighborhood Associations of Madrid
The Entierro de los Barrios is concerned about the loss of local businesses, public space, cleanliness, and basic services. Throughout its route, it highlights different problems affecting residents, staging a demonstration in mourning attire.
Its slogan is “Madrid belongs to us” and it calls on citizens to fight for their streets, their homes, and the services they deserve, such as green spaces and health centers.
The route will cross the center of the capital, through streets such as Bolsa, Carretas, Montera, Fuencarral, Colón, and Velarde, among others. Along the way, they will make several protest stops, which will be:
- Plaza de la Provincia: for the dirtiness of the Centro, Sol, and Barrio de las Letras neighborhoods.
- Puerta del Sol: for public health.
- Red de San Luis: for the lack of parks and playgrounds.
- Plaza Raffaella Carrà: for the lack of public facilities.
- Calle Colón corner Valverde: for the actions of vulture funds and the lack of housing.
- Plaza San Ildefonso: due to noise and the occupation of terraces in public spaces.
- Plaza Dos de Mayo: for the lack of trees and tree felling.