Raval: to decipher it is to discover magic

Across the globe there are only a few places that can pull off a cross-pollination between the beautiful and the ill-favored. Think of how Amsterdam is able to combine its bohemian artistic style with the seedy red light district. The mix of emotions is so well-balanced that something special is created and it’s difficult to be imitated. On the contrary, Barcelona has its mini-verse where magic occurs similar to that of Amsterdam. This neighborhood isn’t as glamorous or as well-known as the before mentioned, but it’s still impressive at how such a small area can encompass so much charm and squalor.

Raval is a cryptic code that can only be defined by the viewer. The only way to identify the symbols is to dive head first without shrewdness. The truly obvious number to our password has to be la Boqueria. Not only is it one of the most traditional parts of Barcelona; it is also a heaven of gastronomy where any lover or hater ofcuisine could discover something disgusting next to something delicious. As stated earlier, enter with an open mind try something you have never seen before, order something that you have no idea what it means, because that is how you learn about yourself and this key that makes Raval.

As you attempt to unlock this cryptic code by plugging in la Boqueria you will have to experience the art scene of Raval. The epicenter of this is Barcelona’s contemporary art museum called MACBA. Like any other contemporary art museum, it is filled with black and white videos that resemble classic Fellini films. Next-door is the CCCB-Centre de Cultura Contemporànea de Barcelona where you can find many art shows including the annual World Press Photo. For all that, what makes this a true artsy neighborhood are the people who live and breathe there. Inside the museums you can find the classic hipster wearing their converse and skinny jeans, however the skateboarders who grind and shred their way through the plaza are the true rulers of the MACBA. When you toss in the tattooed punkies that wander the streets you notice that art isn’t solely contained in the museums but is expressed on the walls and bodies of the inhabitants.

Once you pierce the skin and really draw blood you will find that this neighborhood has its hidden skeletons, and these skeletons depending on the way you view them can be hideous or particular. The seediness of the district has created a true underground atmosphere that only a true adventurer can find. Buried within the muck of Raval are many clandestine bars. To make these places authentic, the outside will have to look uninviting, and this can be especially seen on C/ Joaquin Costa and C/ Sant Ramon; yet when you open the doors and step into these bars you begin to feel it’s heart and soul. Day or night, the goblins patrol the streets looking to sell their bodies or their habits, but in either case when you look through this grime you can discover a special gimmick that cansatisfy any fantasy.

It’s always important to remember that some people are really lewd and cruel. Even though Raval is filled with diamonds, sometimes the rough makes it difficult to discover these precious gems. So to keep you prepared for anything, it’s important to follow the words of Austin Powers: “Spectacles, testicles, wallet and watch”. Your spectacles tell you to always keep an eye out for pick pocketers regardless of race, age or color. As for your testicles, there are many professionals working the street and no matter how drunk you are it is not necessary to pay for sex in Barcelona. Your wallet is obvious; always make sure you keep it in front of you. The watch is to remind you to watch out for overpaying for things, especially in La Boqueria. If you heed these words from Sir Austin Power’s you will for sure have a good time.

Who am I to tell you what your secret code is; I have mine and I will never forget it, because to me El Raval is somewhere special and unique. The Gotico neighbor keeps me on my toes and is constantly evolving. The old buildings get torn down and new ones get built, but the streets remain the same. The stains of Manu Chao, a Barcelona based musician, remain, filling the alleyways with his sense of taste and flavor. I will always view it in a positive manner even though people shine a dark light on it. But I strongly recommend you to craft your own password and decide which is more memorable the positive or the negative. If you have an answer to this please leave it below in the comments, I would love to read what you think.

: A street entering Raval

: Your typical butcher/grocer shop in Raval

: Lots of punkies and punk shops in the upper part of Raval

: La Oveja Negra is a must do if you want to get drunk for cheap. Oveja Negra means, “the black sheep”

: A pretty plaza to sit on a terrace and drink a beer.

: Another great plaza for fresh juice and coffee.

: An old bridge that connects two plazas in Raval.

: A typical bohemian corner bar in Raval.

: MACBA

: MACBA

: This is a hidden bar. If you walk to the end you will find a “bar clandestino”.

: Stated earlier, there is a huge art scene in Raval that can be seen even on the buildings.

: Rambla del Raval

: Many of the bar/restaurant doors are uninviting but go ahead and enter and you will be surprised.

: There are some unusual shops in Raval, this is one of them.

: This is calle Sant Ramon, filled with drug dealers and prostitutes.

: A unique restaurant that supports local art. Look at the three color stains on the building, plus graffiti and the bar itself is designed in an artsy way.