The State Department has updated its page about Demonstrations in Spain.
According to the State Department "Demonstrations are commonplace in Spain. They may range in number from a few people to several thousand"
They warn of demonstrations in Madrid from the 28th to the 5th of Oct. and the 29th to the 7th of Oct.
So if anyone wants "To protest against the 'unpleasant smells of the neighborhood at Butarquey & Perales'" you've got a date the 4th in Plaza de Cibeles at 18:00
Speaking as someone who's witnessed demonstrations both times I've been in Spain, I think the State Department makes too much of them. While they can be loud and noisy, the only violence I've heard about(never witnessed) was after dark. I've seen demonstrations about school fees and political corruption and it's made Spain more real to me and less the Disneyland-esque place that Rick Steves sometimes promotes.
Go and watch, see the signs and ask people why they are protesting. It's a fascinating glimpse into real life Europe. JMO.
I've popped in to a demonstration or two on past trips to Spain, they're quite common. It's not a big deal, nothing to fear. People sending a message, letting off steam. Democracy is better than the alternative.
