A life in La Mallorquina: from Suárez's fictitious death to Ayuso's visits

There is nothing that has happened in the last 45 years at Puerta del Sol (and in Madrid) that escapes his memory. From the coup of 23-F to the camping of 15-M, passing through the thousands of demonstrations that have packed the square or Filomena's white cloak, which left it empty. Because together with the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, he takes

his whole life. From her position at

, wearing the oldest employee label, she has seen history go by, her own and that of others. And with his hand, better than anyone else's, you can tour this house, his, which this year

.

He planted himself in the bakery at 15 years old and today he is 60.

,

says. And it does not surprise us. "I left school and, as I did not want to study, I went there. The first day I was accompanied by my mother. I will never forget it. They put a four-digit multiplication on the test, something that had nothing to do with work , but I did it well and they told me: 'Tomorrow to work' ". Things from then ... It started in the Chocolate Shop section. Christmas Eve. "The first night I dreamed of many people, of people everywhere."

Today, the noise does not scare him, the pride of belonging accompanies his uniform every day and the years do not weigh on him. "I have always liked my work. It makes me feel alive.

.

Obligatory stop for tourists and chulapos, a meeting place for members of the Royal Household, the Government, artists or writers, as a little girl she stepped on that pastry shop - "before, not everyone could come" - which has left so many anecdotes. Like those celebrities who have passed in front of your counter. "A very regular client was Pilar de Borbón. And politicians of all colors have also come here:

. It shows very quickly, because everything is filled with bodyguards." Also,

-" very common, and when I tell you very is very "-

... ". "They also say that the

he was here when he was a prince, but I didn't see him, "he adds.

She has grown up in La Mallorquina - "my life has passed here. I got married, I had my son ...- and she has lived milestones that already belong in the history books." I remember the day of the coup, how the Puerta del Sol was left empty and each person who passed by gave us a different version.

.

My mother called me and said: 'Come home now,' but of course, I told her that I couldn't quit my job. "

A phrase that bears witness to his involvement, like when Filomena arrived and traveled

to get to the train.

"It took me three hours to travel. It was a great feat. I was unable to go to Fuenlabrada (where he lives) for two nights. But I had to take over from my colleagues," he explains.

It was also shocking the day that "in a very large demonstration, they entered and destroyed the showcases",

or during the Covid, "with the Puerta del Sol empty, like a ghost town".

In the years that she has spent there, she has toured all the sections and, now, as manager, she goes "where necessary".

the last few years have passed. Significant changes that have not altered, however, the essence of this family establishment that Ricardo Quiroga runs today.

"

: the strawberry cake, the truffle cake, the roscón, the ensaimadas ... That is what keeps the company alive.

. Although there are also products They are forced to innovate because life evolves but

, the usual, takes the cake. The smell from the door, because they are cooking all day, is what attracts ", he indicates.

"The windows are more modernized, but the same aesthetic is maintained. Customers appreciate that. The other stores are more modern, but this is the most beautiful, for being old," he adds.

- Hey, Marisol.

And to you, after so many years, does not so much sweet fill you up?

- "No! I still love them."

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