A conflict has erupted in Madrid between the owners of street stalls near Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and the city authorities. After years of operating next to the arena, local vendors have been forced to leave their usual spots due to the city council’s decision to relocate the kiosks. According to the entrepreneurs, the new locations don’t bring in the same income and are putting entire families’ livelihoods at risk.
The move came as a result of large-scale construction works around the stadium. Officials say the relocations are necessary to ensure safety and order during renovations. However, for 87 families who have spent decades selling souvenirs, drinks, and snacks, the changes have led to financial hardship. Many complain about a sharp drop in customer traffic: the new stalls are far from the main routes used by fans, and some are more than half a kilometer away from the stadium.
The situation has been made worse by the launch of the new Bernabéu Market project—a modern space with restaurants and shops where street vendors have not been allowed entry. Despite support from fans and local communities, the vendors feel cut off from the matchday atmosphere they once knew. They point out that their products are official, comply with safety regulations, and have not drawn complaints from either the police or local residents.
The fight to return to their roots
The association of street vendors has filed a lawsuit, demanding that the decision to relocate them be overturned and the kiosks returned to their original spots. This isn’t their first effort to defend their rights: earlier, they managed to stop a project that would have built parking lots on the former market site. Now, the vendors are pushing for urgent measures to compensate their losses and keep their businesses afloat.
Many families involved in this sector report losing up to 80% of their revenue. Negotiations with the municipality have dragged on, and meetings with officials have yielded little progress. Temporary work permits are being extended, but the conditions are becoming less and less viable. As a result, not only souvenir sellers, but also those offering drinks and snacks are under threat—the new locations have turned out to be virtually useless for them.
A symbol of Madridismo at risk
For many locals and visitors, the street kiosks near Bernabéu have long been a staple of football culture. Their disappearance could change the matchday atmosphere and deprive fans of familiar rituals. The vendors are hoping the court will side with them and allow a return to their original way of operating. For now, they continue fighting for their rights, believing this dispute is about more than just business—it’s about preserving traditions and the unique spirit of Madrid’s football evenings.
