Brooklyn Meets Madrid, A Match Made In Spain

The Spanish countercultural movement La Movida began when Dictator Francisco Franco died in 1975. Today its free-love, rock and roll roots are most prevalent in Madrid's most vibrant neighborhood: Malasaña (pronounced ma-lasagna)

1. Madrid + Brooklyn = Madklyn

Bars like Madklyn, and vintage stores with names like 'Williamsburg,' add to Malasaña's Brooklynesque vibe

2. A new sect of Spanish Catholicism

If Jesus were an 'eepster' (Spanish hipster)

3. Tapa attack at El Tigre

A beer at famous El Tigre comes with a greasy plate of traditional favorites like tostas (above)

4. Spanish brownstone

5. Graffiti

6. People in plazas

Plaza Dos de Mayo

7. Street culture

Literally, ass on the street, can in the hand, 7 days a week sipping on Mahou, Madrid's local brew

8. 24 hours a day

Plaza Dos de Mayo, the center of Malasaña

9. Street exhibition, February 2013

Translation: “Before I die” painted as part of Candy Chang’s ongoing international project

10. Hidden message

Translation "Love: please take what you need"

11. A persistent dialogue...

This conversation took place between a disenchanted street artist, and the community who kept painting over his romantic pessimisms, sometimes within the day

12. Open Mic night

Image source: Dan Pierce Official Facebook page

Pubs like Triskel Tavern (above) and rock bars line the streets, popular among expats and filled with Malasaña’s many musicians

13. Crowded club

Image: Cafe la Palma (from esMADRID.com)

Malasaña may be best known for its nightlife. It's not unusual for a place to stay open until 6, 7 o'clock in the morning

14. 3 a.m. on the streets

15. Voices of a frustrated population

"Forget it" "We should not pay" "Don't let anything get in your way" "Strike"

The red 'Huelga" is from the national protest that took place on the 14th of November, 2012. Similar images can be found all over the country

16. Third generation espadrille shop

Established in 1836, Antigua Casa Crespo (above) sells espadrilles manufactured in Spain's Rioja province

17. La Musa Malasaña

Trendy, industrial-designed restaurants like La Musa Malasaña are cropping up, fuzing small, tapas-style menus with burger and sushi entrée choices

18. Cocktails and Trivia

Language exchange cafes, board game bars, and other quirky pairings are spreading throughout the districts top spots

19. Tofu in hamland

Places like The Loving Hut (above) are embracing change to bring back Madrid