The iconic Amapolas en Octubre bookstore, located in Chueca, will close on July 26. Its founder, Laura Riñón Sirera, bids farewell to the community of 'amapolers' who have accompanied her.
From July 26, literature lovers in Madrid will have to say goodbye to Amapolas en Octubre, a bookstore that has become a cultural symbol of the Chueca neighbourhood for nearly eight years. The founder, Laura Riñón Sirera, announced the closure through an emotional message directed at her loyal customers and friends, known as amapolers. In her letter, Riñón expressed: "Today the countdown begins. It will be the longest farewell of my life." This establishment has not only been a point of sale for books; it has also served as a refuge for readers and writers seeking a space to share their passion for literature.
The closure has taken many by surprise, although Riñón admitted that for her it was a long-expected decision. "We have been thinking about it for a long time," she commented in a video posted on social media. While she did not reveal the specific reasons behind the closure, she did emphasize that "life is made up of stages" and that this chapter is coming to an end.
Over the years, Amapolas en Octubre transformed from a small bookstore into a cultural reference thanks to the unwavering support of its visitors. The writer fondly remembered those who were part of the project from the beginning: "This little boat became a big ship thanks to all of you." Among them, she highlighted Lana, who was her companion for nearly six years.
The community built around this bookstore is remarkable; every week literary meetings and cultural activities were organised that attracted both locals and tourists. The space was filled with laughter and conversations about books, creating a unique atmosphere where every visitor could feel part of something special.
In her final message, Laura Riñón also emphasized the emotional value this place holds for her: "A piece of me stays here," she said while reflecting on the experiences lived within those walls. To cope with the closure, she plans to sell all the available books as well as the decorations that have adorned the premises for years. This decision aims to ensure that those items find a new home among reading enthusiasts.
The legacy left by Amapolas en Octubre is significant; it not only represents another closed shop but the end of an era for many readers who found their favourite place here to discover new stories and share literary experiences. Compared to other recently closed iconic bookstores —such as La Central or El Péndulo— Amapolas stands out for having created such a strong and passionate community.
For those interested in visiting the bookstore before its final closure or acquiring some of its unique books or decorations, they are still available until the last working day of the month. It is advisable to arrive early to enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere and take home a tangible memory of this beloved literary space.
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