Madrid is considered a cosmopolitan capital which has changed in the last years, especially in the 80’s. After the four years of the dictatorship of Franco, the Spanish wanted to change their lifestyle, get rid of the taboos and free themselves from all the limitations and repression they had to suffer during the horrible dictatorship.

That was the origin of the word Movida a play on a Spanish word consisting of live and move, that means to go from one place to another. When the dictatorship ended, the district of Chueca changed in a very positive way because of the Gay- and Lesbian Community. After all the years of repression and loneliness the district opened its doors to life, architecture and innovation.

Nowadays Chueca is famous for its incredible Gay Community, but in reality this spectacular district stands as well as for diversity, tolerance and unity. Its streets are known for some of the best shopping in Madrid as well as all the fashionable bars and pubs where you can get to know all types of different persons: Spanish, immigrants, gays, lesbians etc. The people of that district get to walk through the romantic streets and to have a drink with their friends in a comfortable bar where they talk about God and the world. In other cities this would be something absolutely extraordinary, but in Madrid this totally normal.

When you walk through the district, it could be possible to meet a drag queen or a simple Spaniard selling his paella. In Chueca are a lot of alternative shops, libraries and nightclubs. Life in Chueca is very intensive and vibrant. A lot of famous fashion stores started off in this district of Madrid. Indeed, it’s the favourite place of Pedro Almodóver who was part of the social and fantastic change in Madrid’s past.

First you should go to the Mercado de Fuencarral. In that commercial centre you can buy all kinds of fashion products and alternative accessories. If you want to have your body pierced or a tattoo made in Madrid, well, no problem! This centre was built in contrary to the normal commercial centres. It aims to offer its customers something very special. So, for example, while you’re shopping there, you can dance to electronic music at the same time. Besides each year they organize an incredible rave party in this alternative centre.

The heart of the district is the wonderful Plaza de Chueca where you can find a lot of bars and uncountable nice places. Each Sunday morning the Spanish people meet at this place to have breakfast, read the newspaper or just to talk about the week. Chueca is made for everyone.

Come to Madrid and discover this beautiful district. You only really know Madrid, if you have been in Chueca. Rent one of the best apartments in Madrid and enjoy very special moments. Your stay in Spain’s capital will be an unforgettable experience.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, May 21st, 2009 at 4:36 pm and is filed under Madrid. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.