Street performers in Spain: Innovative, bizarre, and everything in-between

A headless, umbrella-wielding street performer does his thing in the Puerta del Sol in Madrid.

After living in Spain for more or less two years now, I thought I’d seen everything… I was wrong.  Just the other day I was in Madrid and happened upon this “headless” street performer out to please the crowd of people who were passing through the Puerta del Sol.  Seeing him made me reflect a bit on some of the acts that I’ve seen on the streets of Spain – not only in Madrid but also in other cities.   

Indeed, the streets of many of the Spanish cities in which I’ve lived have, at times, looked like the audition line for American Idol.  I’ve seen singers, dancers, musicians, clowns, jugglers, acrobats, and –today– a headless man.  Some of these acts really are quite impressive — especially those on the streets of Madrid — but there are always a few “duds” as well.  You know, the typical homeless guy banging a bongo drum to no recognizable rhythm and trying to earn a few céntimos in the process. 

In the USA people try to do all sorts of things on the street to earn a living too and I’ve often wondered if any of them –American or Spanish– are ever successful.  I’m sure that if you have a good act and you perform in a larger city like Madrid or Barcelona you could be successful, but I really don’t think any of the “human statues” that work the streets of smaller cities like Burgos are going to be quitting their day jobs anytime soon.  Of course, I could be wrong….

Let’s dedicate this post to street performers in Spain and elsewhere.  Leave me a comment answering one (or all) of the following questions:
     a) If you worked as a street performer, what would your act be?
     b) Do you think any street performers make enough money to be able to quit their day jobs?
     c) What is the strangest and/or most unique street performer you’ve ever seen?

I look forward to reading your comments!

Hasta luego,
–Chris
http://abroadinspain.com