May Day Mayday

It's a holiday again in Sevilla. Well, this time it's a holiday in many parts of the world. Many countries observe May Day as International Workers' Day. Here it's called Día del Trabajador (Workers' Day or Labor Day). In 1977, after the end of the Franco regime, it became an official national holiday traditionally used by trade unions and parties for social and labor change. There are protests all over the country (especially this year due to the economic crisis, which is causing the government to cut funding for education, healthcare, workers' compensation, and much more).

 

The street in front of the government building on our plaza is cordoned off and being monitored by three teams of police. So far, the protest hasn't reached us. I took a walk over to Plaza de la Encarnación (home of the Metropol Parasol) to find a large, peaceful demonstration. I took some pictures and decided to make my exit. I'm a guest in this country and I like it here. I don't want to get caught in the middle of anything that could get me booted out. So, I strolled back-streets to reach my new favorite restaurant/café where I wet my parched whistle with a small glass of sherry. I'll tell you all about that tomorrow.