The rivalry between the two most important cities in Spain, Madrid and Barcelona is something that exist without a doubt. But it's amazing how people from Barcelona are able to enjoy Madrid and people from Madrid fall in love with Barcelona. 

Last Chrismas, I visited Madrid with my husband. I had been twice but he didn't. During two days we enjoyed sightseeing, walking  through some of the most popular neighborhoods and eating. Nobody asked me where I was from, I felt really well and I thought that rivalry is something that responds to economic and political interests.