MADRID PEOPLE!

Madrid has always been a city of immigrants. When Phillip II moved his court here in 1561, the citizens of Spain followed despite its insignificant status and faulty infrastructure. They have continued to do so since, filling a formerly unimportant city to the brims with an eclectic mix of regional and international cultures.

Ask anyone in Madrid and they'll tell you that it's hard to find true "madrileño," as most who were born here have at least one parent from elsewhere in Spain. Nevertheless, the fact that there are few autochthonous madrileños makes it that much easier for outsiders to feel at home. In short, you don't have to be from Madrid to be a "madrileño".

If you want to get a taste of authentic Madridian customs your best bet is to attend the Madrid festivals of San Isidro (May) or La Paloma (August).

The central characteristic that unites Madrid people is easy to identify: they love to socialize. You will find people on the streets at all hours of the night, every night of the week.

About 17% of Madrid's population (approx. 3 million total) are immigrants. The countries most highly represented are: Ecuador, Colombia, Perú, Romania, Bulgaria, Bolivia and Argentina. 

Are Madrid people more friendly than Barcelona people? What do you think before and after the visit to Madrid? Well, we'll see it. (Mariona Estruga)