Mar 14 • 21:52 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El Mundo

The sewer workers bid farewell (with six candles about to go out) to Raúl del Pozo

Sewer workers gather to honor journalist Raúl del Pozo in a symbolic farewell marked by six candles.

In a poignant tribute, sewer workers, known as 'poceros,' gathered to pay their respects to renowned journalist Raúl del Pozo, who had a profound impact on the field of journalism. They prepared for their descent into the underground, bringing along newspapers filled with obituaries honoring Del Pozo's life and work. A significant element of the remembrance was the need to measure gas concentrations to ensure the safety of those entering the sewers, an act that speaks to the risks these workers face in their daily tasks. Del Pozo, who famously referred to the sewer system as 'the bowels of Madrid,' is celebrated as a pivotal figure in uncovering the stories hidden beneath the city's surface.

The ceremony took place near the bustling Castellana area, specifically at the intersection with Duque de Rivas, close to the historic Plaza Mayor. Six workers ventured down into the underground passages, symbolic of the connection between the living and the legacy left by Del Pozo, who is celebrated for his powerful storytelling and dedication to the underrepresented. The event also included a nod to one of his early reports titled 'War on the Rats,' which captured the challenges and realities faced by not only the sewers but also the people who inhabit the city. This gathering highlighted the ongoing significance of journalism in shining a light on often-overlooked aspects of urban life.

Overall, the tribute to Raúl del Pozo underscores the deep respect held for him in the community, particularly among those who share the unique and dangerous task of maintaining the city's unseen infrastructure. The homage serves as a reminder of the intertwined nature of life, work, and remembrance in the fabric of Madrid, celebrating not just a journalist but a chronicler of the city's underbelly, which many would prefer to ignore.

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