The risks are high and the rewards low for Madrid’s desperate manteros: NPR

Four young Senegalese sell bracelets in Madrid on October 20.

Ricci Shryock for NPR

hide caption

toggle caption

Ricci Shryock for NPR

Four young Senegalese sell bracelets in Madrid on October 20.

Ricci Shryock for NPR

In parts of Madrid, a blanket could lead to prison terms for Senegalese street vendors known as manteros.

They sell counterfeit products that rely on mantas, Spaniards for blankets. Often they don’t have work visas and the police harass them, but they can earn a bit more money by selling counterfeits.

The nature of their work is very visible and every day you can see manteros on the streets of Madrid trying to convince tourists to buy one of their bags.

The risks are high and the rewards are low. And some manteros spend years doing the job while waiting for visas and work documents.

Listen to our full report by clicking or pressing the play button above.