La Casika, nestled in the heart of Móstoles, Madrid, is more than just a building; it is a living, breathing symbol of cultural resistance and community spirit. This occupied social center has been a bastion of the okupa movement since December 6, 1997, standing strong for nearly twenty-four years. Its enduring presence has made it a landmark for the movement on a national scale, embodying the principles of self-management, cultural resistance, and social activism.
Today, La Casika is renowned for its vibrant and eclectic range of activities, particularly its music concerts. The center regularly hosts performances, with a strong emphasis on punk and rap genres. These events are not just about entertainment; they are a form of cultural expression and resistance, fostering a sense of community and shared identity among attendees. A tacit agreement with the local neighbors ensures that all performances conclude before midnight, maintaining harmony within the community.
Beyond music, La Casika is a cultural hotspot offering a diverse array of activities. The center frequently hosts theater performances, film screenings, and documentary viewings, providing a platform for alternative narratives and independent voices. Workshops and courses are also a staple, covering a wide range of topics and skills, from artistic endeavors to practical know-how, all aimed at fostering self-sufficiency and personal growth.
La Casika is not just a cultural center; it is a political and social hub. It serves as a meeting point for various groups, primarily those with anarchist and alternative left-wing ideologies. The center has also been a gathering spot for the environmentalist group Ecologistas en Acción. The occupation of this space was driven by the need for a place where different leftist groups in Móstoles could conduct their activities, resist the commercialization of culture, and experiment with cultural and political self-management.
The center operates on principles of horizontal organization, with a weekly assembly that decides the course of its activities. This democratic and inclusive approach ensures that all voices are heard and that the center remains true to its founding ideals. La Casika also emphasizes maintaining good relations with the local community, understanding that their support is crucial for its continued existence.
The initial occupation was spearheaded by groups such as Móstoles Antifascista (MAF) and SHARP Móstoles, composed of young people with anti-fascist and anti-racist ideologies. These groups, functioning in an assembly-based manner, rejected traditional party politics, aligning themselves with the broader autonomous movement.
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One of the key issues championed by the occupants of La Casika is the preservation of the old town area of Móstoles. This part of the city, characterized by low-rise buildings that reflect the popular Castilian architecture of the 19th and early 20th centuries, is under threat from urban development plans approved by the local government in 2006. These plans, which came into effect in 2008, could lead to the disappearance of the historic old town.
La Casika itself is housed in one of these old rural buildings. The structure, with its spacious patio, is ideal for hosting the center’s various cultural activities. The occupants’ opposition to current urban planning policies aligns with the broader okupa movement’s emphasis on repurposing vacant spaces and resisting real estate speculation. As one of their statements declares, the occupation is a form of protest against real estate speculation and a means of breathing new life into abandoned spaces.
La Casika is more than just a physical space; it is a manifestation of a way of life. It offers an alternative to the established social norms, providing a venue where people can live by their own rules and enjoy a sense of freedom. It is a place for socializing, debating, and strategizing, aiming to influence the everyday lives of its members and the wider community in Móstoles. The center’s activities and ethos are rooted in the belief that all aspects of life are political and that change can be achieved through collective action and cultural expression.
In conclusion, La Casika stands as a testament to the enduring power of community, culture, and resistance. It is a place where history, politics, and culture converge, offering a unique space for those seeking an alternative way of life. Whether you are drawn by the music, the cultural activities, or the political discussions, a visit to La Casika is sure to be an enlightening and inspiring experience.
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