BeaBurgos
The nightlife capital of downtown
Malsaña is the nightlife capital of downtown. Its fame hasn’t diminished at all since the 80s, when the neighbourhood’s rock and pop bars became the backdrop for the so-called Movida Madrileña. Some of these bars, like the legendary La Vía Lactea or El Penta, are still active today and remain among Madrid’s most popular. The neighbourhood’s name is in honor of Manuela Malasaña, a woman who was murdered by Napoleon’s troops during the crackdown following the May 2nd uprising in 1808. Legend has it that she was accused of smuggling arms after being caught with the scissors she used in her work as a seamstress.
For this reason, the neighbourhood is oriented around the famous May 2nd Square, which is where the lively San Juan Festival is held every July 24th. The neighbourhood’s nightlife is based on the street and in bars. There aren’t any large nightclubs here, but rather small clubs featuring local DJs and a few small music venues. The music in the bars and clubs reflects the taste of their patrons, and focuses mainly on indie, rock, and even punk. In recent years, Malasaña has also become a commercial hotspot and has attracted an alternative, bohemian crowd which has complemented a large squatter population. Aside from the places mentioned above, other Malasaña classics include the Fuencarral Market, Café Manuela, the Restaurant La Gata Flora, or the Café Pepe Botella.
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