One move - and the market disappeared: the Manteros phenomenon in Madrid
Illegal migrants known as manteros (from the Spanish word "manta" meaning blanket or mat) create spontaneous markets in Madrid, particularly in tourist areas like Puerta del Sol. They sell primarily counterfeit goods—clothing, bags, sports equipment, and accessories.
A key feature of their operation is a quick-rolling system: goods are laid out on a large piece of cloth or mat, with ropes attached to the ends. These ropes are connected in such a way that when the police appear, a sharp tug on one end instantly transforms the mat into a sack or bundle, allowing the trader to quickly escape, avoiding confiscation and detention.
The life of a manteros is a constant struggle, balancing on the brink of the law, where the speed of reaction determines whether the trader will lose their only source of income. Unfortunately, for many migrants, often from Africa, this is the only available economic niche for survival in Europe.
