Ancient Madrid market reopens amid debate over virus rules

Mrid’s ancient and emblematic Rastro flea market reopened Sunday after a contentious eight-month closure because of COVID-19 pandemic that has walloped Spanish capital.

With many major European flea markets still shut down, Rastro’s return seems to be ar example of Mrid’s bid to show that heavy coronavirus restrictions may t be necessary even among latest surge of virus and some sort of rmality can resume with precautions.

That stance has been both criticized and lauded.

After lengthy negotiations, city authorities agreed Rastro could open at 50% capacity, with half its 1,000 stalls alternating each Sunday for a maximum crowd of 2,700 people.

Police with backup drones will monitor market to avoid overcrowding.

Dating back to 1700s, Rastro sells usual flea market mix of antiques, clos, furniture, bric-a-brac and curios in stalls that snake down through a warren-like district next to Mrid’s majestic Plaza Mayor square.

Long a tritional meeting and drinking place, bustling Sunday morning market used to attract thousands of tourists and locals alike. If you arrived after 11 a.m., it was almost impossible to move.

Spain has been one of Europe's hardest-hit countries in pandemic, recording more than 1.5 million coronavirus cases and over 42,500 deaths.

(Im Credit: AP)