A New Home for Poetry
In the vibrant neighbourhood of Malasaña, a group of young people has found an unexpected refuge in poetry. This space, known as La Estancia, has become the epicentre of a creative community seeking to explore and express their emotions through words. The initiative, led by Nerea Longo, known as Lúa, has attracted over 120 participants, who meet weekly to share their writings and experiences.
Lúa, who began her poetic journey on platforms like Tik Tok, decided to take a step further by creating a physical space where young people could connect face to face. “I wanted something real,” she states. After several attempts in local bookstores that soon became too small, she finally found her place in La Estancia, where participants can discuss great authors and experiment with their own writing.
Unlike other workshops that can be financially prohibitive, Lúa has established an affordable fee of just 30 euros per month. “Young people can’t afford to pay much,” she explains. This has allowed many to access poetry without the economic barriers that usually exist. Additionally, each month they organise events where participants can recite their works before an audience, providing them with a platform to showcase their talent.
Beyond art, this workshop has become a therapeutic space for many. “Poetry has saved my life,” confesses Lúa, who shares how writing helped her during difficult moments related to her mental health. Miguel Ángel Jerez, another young person involved in the project, adds that some attendees even come from psychiatric centres seeking an emotional outlet. “They come here to vent what they feel,” he says.
As social media dominates the daily lives of young people, Lúa and Miguel Ángel seek to foster real connections among them. “We are more disconnected than ever,” Lúa points out, referring to the growing loneliness among teenagers and young adults. In this sense, Versándonos is not just a workshop; it is a community where camaraderie and mutual support thrive.
As the project grows, there are plans to expand La Estancia into other cultural areas such as film or sewing. The goal is to continue providing creative opportunities for young people and help them find their voice in an increasingly complex and uncertain world.
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