Tips 1 - 3 of 3 Madrid Local Customs
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Local Customs: Sorteo de Navidad - El Gordo
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I was quite surprised to see such long queues outside this shop in Sol.
Closer inspection revealed that it was a queue for lottery or lotto tickets!
During my trips to different Spanish cities, I'd seen lotto kiosks, and men selling tickets out on the streets, but not witnessed queues quite like this!
I later realised that they were probably hoping to buy the winning ticket for the Sorteo de Navidad, Gordo De Navidad or the name I was more familiar with - El Gordo, or the Fat One.
This tradition has been going on since 1812, where Spaniards, including those who don't normally gamble, buy a ticket or a few! Apparently the place to buy a ticket is Dona Manolita on Grand Via Colon, which has been open since 1931, and locals expect to win at least something in this Lucky Town.
The lotto is also played by many foreigners, but there have been quite a few scams- Where gullible people have parted with money on the promise of receiving a fortune.
The draw is made on National TV at 1100hrs in Madrid. This is considered the start of Christmas!
In 2007 it was on 22nd December.
please click here for info
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Local Customs: Balloon Sellers/modellers
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Saturday afternoon, leaving Meson 5j's, after my tapas of jamon iberico and a beer, I stepped onto C/Arenal, and came face to face with Homer Simpson!
A few steps further and I saw a pink elephant approaching - I was wondering how strong my cerveza had been!!
Later on along the street, I came across this clown - these characters were all carrying balloons, which they modelled into different shapes, and thrust them at any approaching babies, toddlers and children - not sure if there was a fixed price for these.
- I didn't actually see any mothers buying the balloons, but did spot some toddlers in buggies, clutching these brightly coloured rubber models.
In Sol, I came across Mickey Mouse - also trying to pursuade the mums to buy one of his models for their young ones.
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During my weekend in Madrid, I enjoyed listening to, and watching the various musicians, playing on the streets of Madrid.
Three of my favourites were the trio in my 1st picture, who played near El Corte Ingles off Sol - it was bitterly cold, but they soon warmed up the gathered crowd, with some recognisable tunes, I recorded some of their music, and enjoy listening to it now I'm back home - They had a cd for sale - I didn't have enough money on me at the time, and was hoping to catch them later to buy one, but I'm afraid that I didn't. I'm trying to download my mini video onto here.
The young small girl playing her violin,(pic 2) was also very memorable - I'd just left Bar La Ideal, near Pz Mayor, after enjoying the speciality of a boccadillo calamares - battered squid in a bread roll, before heading back to my hotel, then the airport.
The 3rd group, I came across in Sol as it started to get dark - Great music, which contributed to the atmosphere of bustling Sol - they looked like great characters too. (pics 3-5)
I really enjoy coming across street musicians, and always put a few coins their way - I'm a big fan of Live Music, and am always envious, wishing that I had a musical talent.
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Website: http://www.guiadelocio.com
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Stephanie Mon Aug 24, 2009 07:36 UTC
Restaurante Arrocería Mediterráneo - I look forward to reading the completed tip. :))) When was this meeting? | bijo69 Thu Jul 16, 2009 22:03 UTC
Great page Sue! Looking forward to see you there in 2 weeks! | VeronicaG Mon Feb 16, 2009 17:44 UTC
We'll be flying into Madrid in September for about 1 1/2 days before flying to Barcelona. I'm already preparing for our trip and marking off places we'll want to see, many of which you visited....your restaurants look like good choices, too. | jumpingnorman Sat Jan 24, 2009 20:22 UTC
Oooooooh...I love prawns...this tip is making me hungry! |
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