‘El Kiosko’ (newsstand) is an integral part of daily urban life in Spain and has been for a long time. This week our interview for the “Talking with Spain” series is with Vicente , who is one of the best known ‘kioskeros’ in Xativa and certainly the funniest.
Vicente opening his newsstand
Vicente’s kiosk is in a small but busy square not far from the centre of town. He has a steady flow of regular customers and is well known for his banter and his dry humour. And if business is quiet he will even invite you to a beer from the neighbouring bar. Whilst you stand at his kiosk swigging back the beer he tells you jokes and anecdotes about life as a “kioskero”.
The Kiosk
The interview.
How and when did you start your ‘kiosko’ business?
I took my ‘oposiciones’ (official exams for the civil service),passed but there were no jobs for a long time and after waiting for a place and getting nothing,a friend of mine told me that there was a kiosk business up for sale. I grabbed the chance and set up business. That was in 1993.
Do you sell more newspapers and magazine or sweets?
Newspapers and magazines,definitely.
Spanish Magazines
Which is your best selling newspaper or magazine?
El Pais (a national newspaper) or Levante (a regional newspaper).
Vicente serving a customer
How has the crisis affected your business?
It affects me as it affects alot of busineses. I sell less of everything. Business is not good at the moment but I am carrying on as best as possible.
What are your opening times and when do you go on holiday?
I open mornings and afternoon except Sundays which is only mornings. This year I have had a ten day holiday during fiestas. Before that I hadnt had a holiday in eight years.
The square where Vicente’s kiosko is
As you can see Vicente is a hard working, modest kind of guy but above all he has a great sense of humour and a stalwart attitude to life. If you are ever in Xativa and want to buy a newspaper and have a laugh , you know where to go.
The Spanish Thyme Traveller organise trips on which you can experience the amazing food and culture of the beautiful interior of Valencia and Teruel.Check out our webpage by clicking on this logo:
Patrick Waller
Thanks for sharing this interview
Vicente is my kind of guy. Although I’ll be moving to Benalmadena Costa in January, I’ll make sure to find my ‘kioskero’ as a matter of priority. As well as my bar for a cafe con leche.
I love these kiosks which are a huge part of urban life. It must be a hard life for the kioskeros, especially during these times of austerity. Great service though
Thanks Marianne ,Inka and Tiny Girl for your comments. I am glad you liked the post!
Vicent must have liked what you wrote, because when we finished reading it he said “OK, I’ll give him back his lens cap.”
Haha! Very funny. Tell him I will be round to get it! I bet he hasnt got it! He can buy me a beer instead.