Two music groups denounced real estate speculation and evictions during Madrid's San Isidro festivities, backed by housing unions and direct references to regional and local leaders.
The groups VVV [Tripping' you] and Amor Líquido displayed banners reading “Llenan la Pradera, desahucian Madrid” and “La vivienda nos cuesta la vida” during their performances at the Pradera de San Isidro. They worked with the Sindicato de la Vivienda de Carabanchel and the Sindicato de Inquilinas de Madrid, and screened a video about an eviction carried out metres from the festival site in a property previously owned by the Comunidad de Madrid.
Amor Líquido also criticised the central government. Vocalist Sara Puertas stated that “no es cuestión de que ciertos políticos saquen rédito de una lucha ante la que tampoco están haciendo nada” and invited the audience to an assembly on Thursday 14 May at 19.00 at number 23 Camino Alto de San Isidro.
Pregonera Sonsoles Ónega opened the celebrations with a speech that questioned the speculative model. She said “me duele que haya que ser buitre y no paloma para vivir aquí” and described the housing crisis as “el quejido de Madrid”. Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida replied that a fiesta is a space for enjoyment and that political claims should be made elsewhere.
