Universidad (Madrid)

Universidad is an area of Madrid with a creative and countercultural scene.OverviewMalasaña is to the west of Chueca and to the east of Argüelles. It is surrounded by several metro stations and is a central neighbourhood of Madrid. Residents include Esperanza Aguirre, the former President of the Community of Madrid, amongst other politicians and several artists.It was the center of the movida movement in late 1970s and 1980s Madrid.Malasaña is a vibrant neighborhood and a center for the 'hipster' phenomenon, full of lively bars and clubs overflowing with young people. Its creative and counter-cultural roots, which stretch back several decades, have led to the area's distinctly unique musical and artistic tastes. Its streets are currently being renovated, making it a much more attractive quarter. It's one of the classic areas for partying the night away. The area's center is the Plaza del Dos de Mayo (in commemoration of a popular uprising on May 2, 1808, brutally repressed by the French troops and which started the Spanish Independence War). This plaza hosts a large festival on the same day. Botellons (a meeting of people drinking openly on the street, often before going to bars or discos) are common in this neighbourhood. Large ones were held in Plaza de dos de Mayo before the police stopped the nightly practice after a festival turned awry in 2006. Botellon´s involving up to 200 people happen and the plaza where it occurs changes depending on how the police crack down on them.