Andalusia area of Spain - political/economic unrest

I honestly don't think you have anything to worry about. I was just there this summer and people, while depressed about the economic conditions, could not have been more friendly. No services have been curtailed. They want and need your tourism euros. You will find lots of bargains, housing and food are cheap. Sure, things happen, but in general life goes on as always. Have a great time!

Thank you ever so much for your quick-like-a-bunny response, Nancy! It really helps to have your experienced input.

No reason to worry if you have even the tiniest drop of common sense. If you're in a big city and you happen to come upon a very large crowd of people who are demonstrating angily (you know, hundreds or thousands of people chanting, carrying banners, waving their fists in the air, perhaps smashing windows or wrestling with police - kind of hard to miss), just don't plunge into the middle of it and rudely lecture the demonstrators about personal responsibility, the benefits of an unregulated free market system, the virtue of bankers, or the wisdom and compassion of German politicians. As long as you don't do that, you should be fine. You could watch any demonstration you might encounter from the outskirts if it interests you, or simply head down another street. You're only likely to cross paths with a big demonstration in Madrid or other major city, in the obvious large public spaces. The locals will be glad you're spending some Euros there. Keep your head about you and enjoy your trip.

We live in Andalucia. We were in Malaga yesterday where there was a small demonstration outside one of the Govt buildings. It was very peaceful and when wee were forced to push a little through the crowd, it was fine, not in the least intimidating. Yes Spain is in crisis, unemployment is very high but the Spanish are some of the warmest, friendliest people you could meet and,to us, have am amazing ability to smile through these bad times. The only thing we notice is far more beggars in the cities and towns.

We were there for the month of April, Madrid as May 1st approached. The police were pretty geared up for planned protests while we were in Madrid but very little actually materialized. Barcelona had some well-publicized rioting shortly before we arrived but we never saw any evidence of it. Generally, you won't notice anything in 95 percent of the country. If there are going to be major protests, they'll be in the big cities - most likely Madrid around the legislature. Barcelona might be another potential hot spot. Use common sense and avoid unruly crowds rather than try to wade through them - you don't want to be caught between them and the police if trouble breaks out. The vast majority of locals, shop keepers, restaurant owners and hoteliers will be overjoyed to welcome you. They're happy to have the business, especially nowadays.

Thanks so much to all who took the time to answer - your replies were all really appreciated, as well as being the much needed source of reassurance. I will post as time allows regarding our overall adventures, as they promise to be enjoyable.