Before the coronavirus outbreak, people visiting the crowded streets in the city center of Barcelona used to see street vendors trying to make a living by selling everything from beer to beach towels.
The African street vendors, known as manteros, organized as the Sindicato Popular de Vendedores Ambulantes de Barcelona, have dedicated their efforts to making masks and gowns for hospitals, as well as distributing food to the most vulnerable.
While the situation is tough for everyone in Spain, union members fear that it is getting worse for street vendors.
The members are distributing food to the street vendors’ families and to those who are in the most vulnerable situation.
“These are difficult times for street vendors, which only depend on the street to make a living,” Faye said.