On the Scene in Madrid: Locals Talk About the Latest Trends in Their City
The former working-class district of Carabanchel is now an up-and-coming creative center in the south of Madrid. Choreographer Iker Karrera shows us where to find art and culture here – and the best patatas bravas in the city
When I want to experience creativity, I head to Carabanchel. For several years now, I have been noticing how Madrid's art scene is increasingly turning its back on the crowded city center and preferring to thrive in this cheaper and quieter district.
The creatives meet in the south of Madrid
For my work as a choreographer, Carabanchel with its many galleries is a great source of inspiration and a great place for creative exchange. Now that many of my friends have moved here, I'm also considering looking for an apartment in Carabanchel. With the three metro stations Oporto, Urgel and Opañel, the south of Madrid is very well connected to the center. But you can also just stay in the neighborhood. There is everything you need to live here. Good shopping opportunities, trendy bars and affordable restaurants. And of course lots of art galleries.
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Our recommendations
Tours, festivals and good coffee in Carabanchel
The Círculo Carabanchel regularly organizes curated tours of the galleries and exhibition spaces in the district. It's practical when you don't have to take care of things yourself and still get to experience the full range of art and culture. When I'm out and about on my own, I like to make a detour to the La Gran gallery, an important cultural hub in Carabanchel. La Gran is a gallery for contemporary art. It represents and supports works by women in particular. For a short break, I recommend the DOPA Café. I love the coffee there. Cultural tours of the neighborhood start here two Saturdays a month.
My special tip: Every year in November, the Obertura Carabanchel art festival takes place. This is mainly a meeting place for the local scene, but art enthusiasts from all over the world are of course very welcome.
Cerveceria Gonmar: the best patatas bravas in Madrid
A culinary highlight is a must, despite all the art enthusiasm: If you are in Carabanchel, you have to try Patatas Bravas in restaurant Cerveceria Gonmar. The fried potato cubes are one of the most popular Tapas in Spain and have their origins in Madrid. At Gonmar, they are served to perfection: crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Served with a spicy tomato sauce and a cold beer, there is no better way to end a day in Carabanchel.
About:
Iker Karrera is a choreographer. Born in the Basque country, he works for renowned musicals such as "Mamma Mia!" and stages contemporary dance for advertising clients such as Vogue Spain, Bvlgari, Benetton and Cupra. Iker Karrera has also been running the Danza 180 dance school in the center of Madrid for 11 years. In his private life, he is drawn to the south of Madrid, where the creative scene has found a new home.
