There’s something undeniably attractive about gathering with a bunch of strangers who are in on the same secret as you in order to pummel each other with bed pillows in a highly public place until you’re too tired to go on swinging or you’ve simply taken one too many shots to the face. Nothing says I love you, or phooey on Valentine’s Day, I suppose, like a good Pillow Fight Club on the 14th of February.
Though the participants in this year’s Madrid edition dutifully concealed their pillows in shopping bags, backpacks, or even a winter coat for a Quasimodo effect, there was nothing sly about this group. Gleeful was the word I’d choose. But hell, this was Carnival weekend still, after all.
While some Retiro Park goers delighted in a pleasure row on the small lake, the children’s entertainers, or a traditional Sunday walk, about a hundred people (I’d estimate) showed up for the mass melee at the foot of the Statue of the Fallen Angel – a Romantic rendering of the Devil. The pillow fighters – me included – went about their business with child-like enthusiasm and single-minded determination while surrounded by an outer ring of camera wielders and amused passers-by.
When I had had enough and walked away, I could hear the delighted shrieks for a good distance still.
How’s that for love in the air?
Madrid, Spain
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Photo!!
Robert, I was too busy hitting people to take photos!