La Movida Madrileña (English: The Madrilenian Scene) was a countercultural movement that took place mainly in Madrid during the Spanish transition after Francisco Franco's death in 1975. It represented the resurrection of the economy in Spain and the emergence of a new Spanish identity.
This hedonistic cultural wave was born in Madrid, then appeared in other Spanish cities, such as Barcelona, Bilbao and Vigo. It was characterized by freedom of expression, transgression of the taboos imposed by the Franco regime, use of recreational drugs, the "coming out" of the Madrilenian cheli and the "pasota" dialect and a new spirit of freedom on the streets.
The Movida comprised many art movements; Pedro Almodóvar became the best known example internationally after his later success as a film director.
In moods, looks and attitude, the sound resembled the British new wave and the Neue Deutsche Welle, sometimes mimicking styles such as new romantic.
Many bands from the capital city contributed to the spread of the movement, such as:
and many more. Synthpop pioneers such as Mecano, Azul y Negro, Tino Casal, La Unión and others are also sometimes considered to be part of this movement.
Occasionally bands from other Spanish cities are considered as having taken part of the “Movida”, such as Siniestro Total and Golpes Bajos from Vigo, and Loquillo and Desechables from Barcelona.