Sweets in Spain - Madrid

- Caramelo de Violeta -

Caramelo de Violeta are small, flower shaped sweets flavoured with violet essence and is often associated with Madrid. The exact reasons as to why that is has been lost in time but what is interesting is that when one thinks of old Madrid, the image of a morning walk in the Parque de El Retiro with a bag of violeta's in hand comes to mind. However (perhaps sadly), nowadays, these are not nearly eaten as commonly or known nearly as well due to the emergence of imported/mass produced sweets.

Within Madrid, Caramelo de Violeta are further associated with the small confectioners and bakery located on the Plaza de Canalejas. They are (not surprisingly) best known for their namesake, violet sweets and were so well known that it is said that King Alfonso XIII purchased these violet sweets for both his wife and his lover.

Opened in 1915, they have kept their original wooden facade and is now run by the third generation of the original owners. Other then violet sweets, they also sell other confectionery such as violets glazed with sugar and marrons glacés as well as many popular Madrilenian pastries.

La Mallorquina, next to Puerta del Sol square also sells both Caramelo de Violeta's and many other types of sweets, pastries and drinks. However, as it is far closer to a central location, it is almost always packed with tourists so I would advise you to get there early to avoid being jostled around like a bees in a box (or perhaps a Londoner in the underground).

While the perfumed, flowery taste of Caramelo de Violeta may not be for everyone, these no less represent an important part of Madrid's history and heritage and are unique so they make a perfect souvenir to buy if you're visiting Madrid from both within Spain or abroad.