The Community of Madrid is the largest and most densely populated municipality in Spain. With more than 6.6 million people, that’s a lot of people to take care of! Its website has information about government actions, employment opportunities, health resources, environmental efforts and more to help empower the community. Social issues listed on the Community of Madrid website (disability, immigration, family, childhood, gender equality, LGBTQIA+, etc.) boost social inclusion through cultural and professional events. The website improves awareness and provides volunteering opportunities so everyone can get involved. That being said, sometimes it’s up to the groups advocating for these social issues to educate and empower their neighbors.
I learned more about Lavapiés, a neighborhood close to the center of Madrid. What makes Lavapiés so special is how diverse it is. After Spain's dictatorship ended in 1975, its borders slowly opened up to people from around the world. More people began immigrating in the 1980s and 1990s, and today there are more than 5.8 million foreigners in Spain! In Lavapiés alone, there are 88 different nationalities. Most foreigners are from Asia, Latin America or Africa, but you will also find people from Australia, Britain and the United States!
