Violet seller “La violetera”

Think you know Madrid? Do you believe the capital of Spain is all about the Puerta de Alcalá, the bear and the madroño tree, and endless tapas in La Latina? Think again. There’s a figure that has walked its streets and left an indelible mark on the local culture: the flower seller. Yes, that humble woman whose smile was as fresh as the violets in her basket. But what lies behind this idyllic image?

A Less Glamorous Business

Contrary to what the songs and movies of Sara Montiel might make you believe, the business of flower sellers was no stroll through Retiro Park. In fact, they were part of the lower classes, struggling to make a living in a rapidly changing Madrid that didn’t offer many opportunities. They sold flowers on cobbled streets, amid the bustle of trams and factory smoke. Romantic? Maybe. Easy? Not in your wildest dreams.

The Flower Seller's Uniform

In 1916, Madrid’s authorities decided to impose a uniform on street vendors to "maintain decency." This outfit consisted of a black blouse and skirt with a white lace apron.

This uniform was intended to differentiate flower sellers from those who also engaged in prostitution. However, the measure was met with criticism and sarcasm, especially directed at Deputy Mayor Ruiz Salinas. Although it aimed to give the flower sellers a more respectable appearance, it also contributed to their stigmatization and increased social control.

The Day-to-Day Reality

Do you picture a flower seller in a clean dress and a basket full of fresh flowers? The reality was much harsher. These women often wore worn-out clothing, and their flowers were not always as fresh as they'd have liked. However, their resilience and indomitable spirit allowed them to maintain that smile that brightened many Madrilenian mornings.

Street Strategists

• Flower sellers were masters of street marketing.
• They captured attention with their clear, melodic calls: "Violets, fresh violets!".
• They used witty compliments to entice passersby.

More Than Sellers

Flower sellers weren’t just street vendors. They were an integral part of Madrid's life and culture. In operettas and music, like "La Violetera" and "Los Nardos", these women became symbols of traditional Madrid: tough, resourceful, and always with a spark of humor.

The Legacy of the Flower Seller

Today, you may not see as many flower sellers walking the streets of Madrid, but their spirit lives on. They left behind a legacy of resilience and adaptability that defines the character of the city. Every time you walk down Gran Vía or get lost in the alleys of Lavapiés, you're treading the ground these women once called their office.

The Flower Seller and the Birth of Castizo Madrid

Now imagine the figure of the flower seller in a unique context: the birth of Jesus in late 19th-century Madrid. In this reimagining, Mary and Joseph arrive in a bustling city with cobbled streets full of life. And it is here that the flower seller steps in to help.

The Flower Seller to the Rescue

Seeing Mary in distress, the flower seller doesn’t hesitate to offer her help. "My goodness! She's about to give birth!", she exclaims, and without a second thought, she leads the couple to a small portal on Calle de la Sal, a humble but safe corner. With the help of a washerwoman and a water carrier, the three women form an improvised but efficient team to bring the new baby into the world.

A Miracle in the Heart of Madrid

The portal fills with a magical atmosphere. The washerwoman washes the diapers in a bucket with the water provided by the water carrier, while the flower seller, with experienced hands, assists in the birth. Joseph holds Mary, his face full of concern and love, until they finally hear the first cry of their son. A cry that, curiously, seems to resonate with the vibrant energy of the city.

The Community Gathers

The news of the birth spreads quickly. Neighbors and merchants begin to gather: the honey seller, the chestnut vendor, the night watchman, the turkey seller, and many more, all bringing a piece of Madrid’s life to share. The community, moved by the miracle of new life, comes together to celebrate and offer their support.

The Spirit of Madrid

In that humble portal, under the glow of gas lamps, the spirit of Madrid shines brightly. Solidarity, hope, and community blend into a magical atmosphere that touches the hearts of all present. This castizo nativity, with the crucial intervention of the flower seller, is not just an event; it’s a symbol of life itself, of resilience, and of the love that unites people.

So, the next time you walk the streets of Madrid and feel the city's energy, remember this story. Because in every corner, in every face, lives the spirit of those who, like the flower seller, with a basket of flowers and a smile, made Madrid a place where miracles can happen.