Gay and Lesbian Vacations: Newsletter

That, I’m afraid, is about the extent of my Spanish. But it is always good to learn a few key words and phrases in a country’s native language before travelling to other countries. And it is also great to hear first-hand from people who live in the destination, what it is that makes the destination so good for a vacation.

So, as usual we will begin with our standard first question: How about a brief overview description of Madrid?

Madrid (M):
Madrid is the capital as well as the biggest city in Spain and one of the largest cities in the European Union. Located in the middle of the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid is the seat of the government, the residence of the Spanish monarch and the political centre of Spain. Madrid enjoys the reputation of being the city with the longest nights in Europe. You will find bars, pubs and discos throughout the city, with something interesting for everyone. The same applies for restaurants: you will find of course the popular “tapas”, but also small taverns or true gourmet temples, all in the same city! And after filling up on Spanish food, and drinks such as the world famous “sangria”, you can choose to enjoy our traditional siesta or nap, which you may find useful to enjoy the famous nightlife later on.

LT:
I like the part about the “longest nights in Europe”! No wonder the “siesta” concept is so popular. Before we get to the particulars, what can you tell us about Madrid itself? Let start with the people of Madrid.

M:
Madrilenos, as people from Madrid are known, are friendly, open and endearing. They enjoy the well earned reputation of living in an open-hearted city where all newcomers can be sure of finding a niche and a warm welcome, a city where the most extravagant trends and lifestyles somehow manage to co-exist.

LT:
If we were to ask any of the “Madrilenos” what they feel was the biggest tourism draw to their city, what do think they would say?

M:
Probably that Madrid is well known because of its museums. Madrid is the home of some very exciting Museums, such as the Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum, and Thysseen-Bornemisza Museum, which host some of the finest art collections in the world, and are located in the “walk of art”.

But in addition to that, Madrid is a non-ending city for leisure and tourism. Other must do things in Madrid include; visiting the “Royal Palace”, the “Buen Retiro Park” founded in 1631, the “Plaza Mayor” and “Puerta del Sol”, as the heart and emblems of Madrid. And for those that love shopping, you can walk throughout “Salamanca´s District”, touring its streets; Serrano, Claudio Coello, Goya or Velazquez. These streets are inhabited with the most exclusive and luxurious boutiques and shops in the country.

Undoubtedly Madrid is a city with a varied cultural agenda that renews itself constantly. The cultural tradition manifests itself in the high number of theatres that fills its streets, the many centuries of history. A prime example is Gran Vía, one of the principal arteries in Madrid. Additionally Madrid is filled music - opera, classical music, recitals and seasonal musicals.

LT:
Wow! From a tourism view, Madrid truly does is a well-rounded destination. Now let’s get a little more specific for our readers and tell us about Madrid for the gay and lesbian vacationer.

M:
Actually, Madrid is one of the new hot gay destinations in Europe. The central district of “Chueca” is where all the gay and lesbian culture is located. Chueca is with no doubt one of the most cosmopolitan and chic neighbourhoods. There is a pleasant atmosphere in this district. Gay and straight people intermingle comfortably, and PDA (public display of affection) is a common sight. The northern end of the neighbourhood is mainly the area of college students, and the central Plaza Chueca provides a vibrant mixture and diversity of different people.

LT:
This sounds like the Spanish version of the “gayborhood”. Has the area always been like this?

M:
Thanks to the gay and lesbian community, Chueca has become one of the most exclusive and trendiest vicinities, an incredible multicolour, architectonic and demographic transformation, with their unique lifestyle and brightness.

Chueca lies directly behind the historic Gran Vía. Though the area once stood at the edge of medieval Madrid, Chueca is now gay central. Countless gay and gay-friendly cafes can be found, as well as restaurants, nightclubs and bars (including the after hours bares de copas), plus some of the city’s most fashionable shops, as Mercado de Fuencarral (Fuencarral`s Market). Do not be surprised if you discover designer stores next to ancient 19th century stores, or local pubs next to the most refined restaurants. That is the charm of the neighbourhood. Pick up the free gay magazines and guides available at many of these establishments to find out what is happening in Chueca and all of gay Madrid during your visit.

LT:
What’s there to do in Chueca?

M:
Well, there is a wide variety of activities and opportunities for everyone: Look at shop windows with minimalist, 70s, futuristic or kitsch decorative styles; or find a cozy café to sit and read the newspaper while drinking coffee; listen to the latest DJs while shopping in the stores at Fuencarral market; try on boots with 20 cm. heel; go to actor Javier Bardem’s bar; buy leather underwear; get a surrealist haircut; buy exclusive retro jewellery or trinkets; read the posters with concert announcements; look at the provocative graffiti; meet up in a bar; get a Picasso tattoo; see an underwear fashion show; get to know gay literature; spend your pay check at a restaurant; buy second-hand clothes; buy perfumes in bottles of wine or simply mingle …

LT:
Well, there is certainly a diverse list of things to do! From leather underwear to Picasso tattoos. It definitely sounds like Chueca is the place to really see the local culture.

One last question. You’ve told us about Madrid in general and the everyday of the gay and lesbian community, but I know Madrid, like many other major cities around the world celebrates Gay Pride in style. Tell us a little about how Madrid shows its pride.

M:
Madrid's Gay Pride parade (Dia del Orgullo Gay) takes place on the last weekend of June or the beginning of July. Chueca becomes the centre of attraction and a truly vibrant and active area for GLTB community. Shows, concerts, and slogans proclaim with pride to the whole world that it is party time for the gay community. The Chueca, Vazquez de Mella plazas and Pelayo Street are turned into a party open to everyone, full of multicolour flags and also people from all over the world.

One of the largest Gay Pride celebrations was held in Madrid in 2007 when we hosted EuroPride. So Madrid definitely knows how to celebrate. I would also suggest to visitors to join us any year and share your pride while you vacation in a beautiful Spanish destination.

LT:
I did hear that EuroPride in Madrid was a great success. Congratulations. I think that success just validates the fact that Madrid is indeed a great vacation destination for gay and lesbian vacationers. The welcoming feeling from the Madrilenos combined with the wide array of fascinating things to do, make it must see and experience destination.

Thank you very much for taking the time to “Talk” with us and share your insights about Madrid with our readers.

To our readers, thank you for spending some time with us and Madrid. And since I’m sure this brief time has now piqued your interest even more, take a look at http://www.spain.info/ to learn even more about Madrid.