A great issue many European cities face today is the conflict between tradition and modernity. Cultures and histories that span hundreds of years are now competing with technologies and the inevitable push toward progression. No other city is this more prominent than in Madrid; a capital city full of rich history and tradition. Though endlessly transforming. Madrid is the beautiful contradiction between the past and present living as one. Restaurants serving the same fare for hundreds of years sit right next to an Apple store, all on a city block where once the Spanish Royals would take their afternoon strolls. One specific store that has withstood the test of time and has kept Spanish tradition alive is, surprisingly enough, an artisanal fan store, Casa de Diego.
When traveling abroad, one always comes across the difficult feat of returning home with souvenirs for all the important individuals in their life. Of course, since I was actually living in said foreign city, relics from my travels were a necessity. At first, the task was simple: a fake soccer jersey for my brother, a bottle opener for my best friend, etc. It wasn’t until I was faced with buying a souvenir for my mother did the task truly become a challenge. No conventional gift would do. I needed to find something authentic. An item that was unique and handmade. Such a gift that when her friends came over for book club, she could gush about the thoughtful gift her loving daughter brought home from her adventures abroad.
Casa de Diego truly fit all of my criteria. Founded in 1858, the store was like stepping in to an ancient Spanish Aristocrat’s closet. Although it is located in the extremely touristy district of Puerta del Sol, please do not turn up your nose. In my humble opinion, establishments such as Casa de Diego are institutions that must continue to thrive, if not only to uphold tradition. Therefore, if success will come from being situated in the busiest area of the city, I say brilliant! Casa de Diego is the definition of the paradox that is alive in Madrid between custom and current.
The sole purpose of my trip was to find a fan, to which they have many. Beautiful, handmade, hand-painted, artisan fans fill the store. Prices range from about 20 euros and up. I personally chose a small, black, wooden fan adorned with delicate red roses for 40 euros. These fans are all handmade, which makes them a bit pricier than the typical ones found in souvenir stores. Of course, the more complicated the design, expect the price to be matched. Though I am not a fan expert, prices also seemed to reflect the levels of quality of the wood. The clerks are also extremely helpful with assisting in purchases. The store has boxes of fans in every price range. Simply tell the clerk your desired price and prepare to be dazzled. In addition to the hundreds of fans, Casa de Diego specializes in other traditional Spanish accessories such as ornamental combs, jaunty walking sticks with silver handles, lace veils, you name it!
So, the next time you are in Madrid and desperate to find the perfect gift to bring home, or need accessories for a flamenco show, I highly recommend paying a visit to Casa de Diego. Happy shopping!
