As summer fades, an annual trend in Valencia re-emerges: the migration of late-night drinking gatherings, or ‘botellón’, back to the city centre. This weekend, the neighbourhood of La Roqueta, known for its two popular nightclubs, has once again become a hotspot for young partygoers.
Residents of the area have expressed their frustration, even shouting complaints from their windows. They are frustrated about the disruption these gatherings cause, often seemingly tolerated by local authorities.
Authorities turn a blind eye
The botellón culture, where large groups of people gather to drink in public spaces, has shifted from the beachside to the centre of Valencia as cooler autumn nights set in. In La Roqueta, the central garden on Ramón y Cajal, near Plaza de España, has become a popular location. On a recent Saturday night, dozens of young people could be seen drinking to the beats of techno music, the sound carrying through the streets as traffic still buzzed around the area.
However, as the night progressed, the situation worsened. Despite the presence of the Local Police, who frequently pass through the area, there appears to be little enforcement against the gatherings. Many residents feel that the authorities turn a blind eye as long as the drinking is contained, despite the disturbances spilling over into surrounding streets.
Residents take matters into their own hands
Residents of La Roqueta have taken matters into their own hands, calling the police to complain about public urination, loud music, and damage to parked cars. “They party in their cars with the music blasting, or they gather on street corners, causing noise at all hours,” said one resident. “We’re afraid to park our cars nearby because they get scratched, or worse, people vomit between the wheels.”
Clean-up efforts are made after the parties, including washing down the streets. However, residents claim the smell of urine lingers, and broken glass and other debris are often left behind. Even in parks far from the nightclubs, such as the one between Jesús and Historiador Diago, early morning walkers frequently find the remnants of the previous night’s revelry.
Ban on ‘botellones’
Botellones, or public drinking gatherings were quite common years ago in Spanish cities and villages. However, local councils and autonomous regions slowly started regulating public drinking. In general, many regions already had regulations in place prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in public spaces before the pandemic. However, these restrictions were tightened further during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the national level, Organic Law 4/2015 on the protection of citizen security, also known as the “gag law,” classifies the consumption of alcohol in public spaces as a minor offence if it significantly disturbs public order.
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