"Manta" is Spanish for "blanket." The "Manteros" are a group of over 250 street vendors in Barcelona who, lacking proper documentation, are unable to find regular employment. As a result, many spread out their blankets in the bustling streets of Barcelona to sell their goods. Repeated clashes with the police, who seek to confiscate counterfeit products, often result in injuries. Two years ago, a tragic incident occurred when Mosyl Sidar, a street vendor from Senegal, jumped from the third floor of a building while fleeing from the police and lost his life.

In response, the Manteros united and formed an association to fight for human rights and against the racist persecution they face from the police. They consider themselves union workers because they engage in labor just as demanding as legal vendors and would undoubtedly pay taxes if they were allowed to work legally.

Politically active, they organize street demonstrations whenever cases of police abuse emerge or when a Mantero is wrongfully arrested. They receive support from various collectives and organizations, such as the “Espacio para el Inmigrante” (Space for Immigrants), which offers space and counseling, and assisted in the founding of the Manteros' union. The movement has already achieved some success, as police abuses against the Manteros have significantly decreased. In early July of 2017 the union proudly launched its first own brand, "Top Manta."

Earlier this summer 2017, the first meeting of representatives from various street vendor groups across Spain took place in Madrid. Lamine Bathily, the youngest spokesperson of the Barcelona union at just 27 years old, shared their experiences on a national level. The participants came together to advocate for the improvement of their living conditions. It is a slow and challenging process, but one that could have a significant impact on Spain's recent migration history.