Gay Granada

For sure, Granada is not Barcelona, even 10 times smaller, and the machismo in Andalusia is stronger than anywhere else, so you will not often see same sex lovers walk hand in hand…

And it goes without saying… nobody comes to the city of Islamic historical legacy or the Alhambra or Spain's most beautiful city for the gay night life.

But still... “living la vida loca”. For LGBT’s, the city feels very relaxed and agreeable, with just enough bars or meeting places for a night out or to make friends.

About Gay Spain

Spain is the only country in the world were Anarchists made it into to the government. In fact that says it all.

Ever since it became clear that Franco’s days were over and, more importantly, would not come back, Spain has been in a festive mood.

OK, the days of the “movida” are over.

This era in the beginning of the 1980’s can be compared to the sixties in Western Europe or the USA, when all seemed to become possible and people could not stop celebrating that.

Even Spaniards can not party forever. But the fresh wind over the country has never stopped blowing, which you can see from the creativity in modern architecture to the many awards in publicity or for movies, the results in sports from Tennis to Football… Spain lives!

In just 2 decades Spain went from being Europe’s poor brother to its shining light. From a very catholic country to one where the president hardly wishes to meet the pope. To the only country in Europe with more women in the government than men.

To just one out of 6 countries where gay marriage is legal. (Even Sweden was later in this).

Add to this the very freedom conscious Spaniards, the attitude of “live and let live”, the openness when it comes to sexuality and there you are… in one of the most gay friendly countries on the planet.

Granada is for romantics

Cruising


The main cruising locations in Granada are the train station and the Jardines de Triunfo, the large park at the intersection of the Gran Via and the Avenida de la Constitution – the two largest streets of the city.

In the summer there is the wall that runs along the Carrera del Darro, starting at the Plaza Nueva.

The "Movida"


The Movida Madrileña, or The Madrilenian Groove, was a movement that took place in Madrid, when it was felt that Franco’s days were really over and his followers would not remain in control.

A new era was coming! Spain’s 1968! In one go from Franco - into the hights of the Punk scene.

From the end of the 1970’s to the mid eighties, this hedonistic and cultural wave was born in Madrid and spread to other urban centers such as Barcelona and Bilbao.

It is characterized by a boum in cultural freedom, a new spirit on the streets, but also by use of drugs.

Film maker Pedro Almodovar and one of his first main leading leading ladies, the actress Carmen Maura, are forever linked to this Groove, with his early films such as “Pepi. Luci, Bom” and “What have I done to deserve this”?

Garcia Lorca's Legacy

Today, Garcia Lorca is honered by a statue in Madrid (on the Plaza de Santa Ana), where he remains an emblem of the past… the Lefts put a red kerchief on the neck… and someone from the Right comes later to take if off.

Involved with Spain’s Avant Garde, Garcia Lorca is a distinct personality in Spanish cultural legacy, of the order of Picasso or Dali (with who he was passionately involved). With a play as "The House of Bernarda Alba" that is still played the world over, and the unique voice in his poems that, very graphically and colourful, speak of passion and death, the harsh sunlight and blood, Federico Garcia Lorca is definitely Granada’s one and only truly famous son.

One of his poems even reached the charts, when Leonard Cohen sang “Take this Waltz” (a translation into English of "Pequeño vals vienés").