Gay Madrid

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Madrid and Barcelona have always been competing for the title of gay capital of Spain. Madrid nowadays seems to be winning this game thanks to its dance clubs and sex bars that are open-minded and sex-related. Madrid is in the top 5 most popular European gay cities and is one of the hot spots in Europe.

The main gay clubs and bars in Madrid are located in Chueca area. All the gay bars in Spain are usually open from 11 o’clock in the evening but in Madrid they are waiting for its visitors since six o’clock. Here you will also find gay terraces and cafes open during the day. 

Chueca area is a great place to stay in the gay friendly hotel. Unlike many other capital cities, prices here  are reasonable even during the summer months. The only busy period is during Madrid Gay Pride. The rooms during this event are usually booked well in advance.    

Madrid Gay Pride is one of the biggest and most popular gay prides in Europe. The street parties are usually held at Plaza Chueca and the parade attracts more than 1 450 000 people every year. The parade goes from Puerta de Alcalá to Plaza de España. All the massive parties are listed on the main website of the vent. You can be absolutely sure that Madrid Gay Pride is nothing less than a spectacular. 

Homosexuality was highly illegal in the times of Francisco Franco. There were laws against homosexual activity and gays were imprisoned in large numbers. Later, in 1960s gay scenes started to appear in Sitges, Ibiza and other holiday destinations. There are still numerous attractions and event for gays. With the return of democracy to Spain, there appeared a cultural movement called La movida. This movement together with other gay rights movements in the rest of the world has become the main factor of bringing up socially tolerant nation. 

Same-sex marriage and adoption of children were legalized in 2005. Bisexuality and homosexuality nowadays are greatly accepted in big cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Bilbao, Valencia, Zaragoza, Sevilla, Las Palmas, Malaga and small ones with a lot of foreign population and tourists such as Cadiz and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Unfortunately there is of course a certain level of discrimination especially in small villages and among old people. But according to the statistics published in 2006, more than 57% of Spanish people support same- sex marriage and the right to adopt children. 

If you have decided to come to Spain during the Madrid Gay Pride the best area to stay is the gay area – Chueca. It is located in the heart of the city and the prices here are affordable, but don’t forget to book a room in a hotel in Madrid beforehand.