The People

Making Conversation with a Madrileño -- In Madrid it's tactful to avoid discussing Gibraltar, the late General Franco's regime, and politics in general until you're totally sure of your ground. Also avoid criticizing national activities -- controversial elsewhere but not in Madrid -- such as bullfights. (In more radical areas like the Basque Country and Cataluña, where Madrid tends to be regarded as the unacceptable face of authority, you may have more leeway in discussing these topics.) Sports such as soccer football and attractions of different regions of the country are good topics to discuss -- many Madrid inhabitants originally came from another part of Spain and still retain a strong link with their home province, so if you know something about it they will be appreciative.