A vibrant past and a grim present
The nightclub Attica, once the epicentre of Madrid's nightlife, has been transformed into an illegal settlement housing families in precarious conditions. This iconic venue, opened in 1987 and famous for its festive atmosphere and electronic music, now lies in ruins, surrounded by graffiti that evokes its glorious past.
Currently, nearly twenty shanties have been built on what was once bustling Attica. Most of its inhabitants are Romanian families who have found refuge here after being displaced. A Romanian carpenter has taken the initiative to construct these structures with recycled materials, each costing around 7,000 euros. Despite the adverse conditions, residents have managed to create a space that includes electricity and even communal areas like barbecues.
As the settlement grows unchecked, authorities seem powerless to address the situation. According to Luis, owner of the nearby restaurant Las Moreras, the number of constructions increases month by month. Although legal proceedings are underway to reclaim the land, the reality is that families continue to settle there.
Despite efforts to keep the area clean, the accumulated waste along the banks of the Jarama River is evident. The inhabitants claim not to be problematic and try to maintain an orderly environment; however, the pollution of the river raises serious environmental concerns. Javi, a spokesperson for Patrulla Ciudadana, points out that within the group there is also racism among pickpockets and other social strata.
While not all residents are pickpockets, this phenomenon is present in the area. Patrulla Ciudadana has documented several recent cases where organised groups operate from these camps to carry out thefts in tourist spots like Gran Vía. The police have intensified their efforts to dismantle these criminal networks; however, many offenders manage to evade justice quickly.
Madrid faces a complex dilemma: how to address the issue of illegal settlement while ensuring public safety and protecting those seeking refuge. The story of Attica is just one more part of the urban mosaic of Madrid; a constant reminder of how spaces can transform radically over time.
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