Valladolid has lost the traditional shops in favor of the homogeneous chains, equally recognizable in New York, Beijing, or the Castilian plateau. The imminent opening of an Asian food franchise and another hamburger restaurant joins the brand new debut of a Starbucks.

A historic hardware store that has been in business for 130 years, home to any appliance for the kitchen and home, has closed its doors. “There are no typical things in Valladolid, it's what gives the city its heritage; when we have visitors, we don't take them to the Burger King, ” criticizes Teresa Rodrguez and Ana Alberdi, 65 years old and pros. The City Council, for the moment, remains oblivious to those internationally identifiable corporate colors and neon lights. The square, considered the oldest in Spain, was established in 1561 after a terrible fire that modified the development of the city. The multinational settled in the headquarters of an old optician. A year ago, it closed the recognizable Ambrosio Pérez jewelry store. Salvadora - "without a last name!" - and Salvador Garca, aged 75 and 53, find the growth of the chains fatal. "At least these are not foreigners!" they excuse themselves. Waffles and crepes in the shape of a penis or vulva sparked interest in the first months but soon went out of style. Very close to the square, the opening of a McDonald's is being prepared. In front of the Starbucks, on the other side of the Plaza Mayor, there is another cafe with green cushions and white chairs. In the classic Lion d'Or café, you travel through time when you cross the threshold, both because of the decoration and the average age of the clientele. At Starbucks, hair gel rules; Lacquer reigns in the heart of Valladolid. But in La Pollera, the victim of a trigger attack despite opening on the adjacent Calle de la Pasión, the Waffles are gone.