HANDCRAFTS IN MADRID

Photo: Daniel Sebastián Cueto (Flickr). License: CC BY-SA

Despite the convergence of different cultures and traditions assimilated from the past, Madrid still preserves its most typical products, especially those handcrafted and the traditional regional outfits.  

ESPARTO

After the decline of the Spanish handcrafts market, there is still an art struggling to be alive: the esparto manufacturing. Currently, the esparto (esparto grass) is used for decorative purposes, but it was traditionally used for the manufacturing of esparto blinds, very typical in the south, but with a long tradition in the province of Madrid too. Anyone can go buy any of the esparto products, from toys to useful everyday products. 

TRADITIONAL REGIONAL OUTFITS 

Photo: Salvatore G2 (Flickr). License: CC BY-ND

Traje Goyesco

This kind of outfit was used by the people from Madrid for a century. For wo

men, it is made up of a bodice with quality fabrics (mostly velvet) and a big cleavage usually covered with a scarf. That goes with a hairnet and a skirt with an apron. For men, the outfit was made up of a white shirt with a sash, a scarf going well with it, a jacket with buttons, skin-tight trousers and white stockings.  

Chulapos

This kind of outfit was typical of the 19th century, becoming the most common outfit during the traditional festivals of Madrid, such as the festivity of San Isidro.

GIGANTES AND CABEZUDOS

Photo: Antonio Tajuelo(Flickr). License: CC BY

The "gigantes" (giants) and the "cabezudos" (big-headed) are carnival figures with a big size entertaining during the traditional festivals, especially during the festivity of San Isidro. They have been used since the second half of the 20th century, even though these figures have been changing with the time adding some others too.