La Movida Madrileña, meaning “The Action of Madrid,” was an unplanned countercultural movement from 1977 to 1985 in Spain. It all started when dictator Francisco Franco died and Spain exploded with pent-up energy. It was a movement that valued style over substance. The cultural revolution was evident in music, subculture, fashion, alcohol, drugs and sexual experimentation. La Movida took place mainly in Madrid, although some other cities such as Barcelona and Vigo had their own Movida. The popular nightlife slang of the time reflected the spirit of the movement: "¿Dónde está la movida?" - "Where's the action?" La Movida began when dictator Francisco Franco died in Madrid on November 19, 1975. Franco's 36-year reign was a period in which strict public and ecclesiastical laws preserved the traditional role of the family, strengthened formal relations between the sexes and they controlled expression in the press and media. Eager to distance itself from Franco's repression and censorship, Spain quickly began the transition to democracy called "Transition". King Juan Carlos I aided the transition by quickly naming Adolfo Suárez Prime Minister. Spain's first democratic vote in over 40 years took place in 1977, and a new constitution was signed in 1978, which is still in force. In 1979 Enrique Tierno Galván became mayor of Madrid, the capital of Spain. In this position he had a lot of power to help or hinder La Movida. His choices helped Spain overcome its repressive past. Then, in 1982, the socialist party PSOE, led by Felipe González, was elected with an overwhelming majority of votes and became Spain's first left-wing government since the 1930s. Politics had played an important role in the birth of the movement, and it continued to be... ... middle of paper ...... interchangeable term for hedonistic parties. The spirit of the movement lives on in the Malasaña neighborhood of Madrid, the place where La Movida was born. Plaza Dos de Mayo and the surrounding area are frequented by people from all walks of life. Many nightlife venues play music that pays homage to the era. Works Cited Javier. "'Las Costus', from 'Movida Madrileña.'" glbtq. glbtq, 2002-2006. Network. March 7, 2014."La Movida Madrileña" ["The action of Madrid"]. Don Quixote. don Quijote Salamanca SL, nd Web. 2 March 2014."Mirada Frontal, Mirada de Púgil / Gonzalo García Pin" ["Frontal look, look of the Boxer / Gonzalo García Pin"]. Alberto Garcia Alix. Alberto García Alix, 2014. Web. 10 March 2014. "Ouka Leele." The truth is where? WordPress.com, February 23, 2011. Web. March 10. 2014..