The tribes are more fashionable than ever, despite having more than three centuries old. Madrid’s evidence of that back in the eighteenth century existed as a few paintings of Goya or Atienza.

These groups come together in terms of their ideology or way of life under the same aesthetic patterns, identity, slang, music, and even under the same rules. It is more common to focus on big cities like Barcelona or Madrid, but can be found in any Spanish city.

In fact, there are a multitude of tribes, each with a different idea: anarchic, non-political, left, right … Many of them are very fashionable and many other little outdated, but all have one thing in common: an ideology promulgated own . Only in Madrid, there are more than fifteen tribes. Each has a territory, but most are moving to the center, in shopping areas or nightlife, with bars and shops related to their personalities.

Many linked to the tribes with street violence, but not always the case. It is true that some gangs are involved in numerous incidents and attacks, which are credited with social danger. But others are harmless, since not even subject to a political ideology, but simply share trends or aesthetic tastes for the same music.

Here are some of the highlights:

Skin Heads: the tribe arose in England in the’60s with the idea of combating nationalism. But after a little split in two: the far left and far right – becoming great enemies -. In Spain, however, the prevailing right-wing group, sympathetic to his side and far more traditional. This is a racist, homophobic and violent, he wants to “clean Spain for immigrants, homosexuals, prostitutes, drug addicts and beggars.” His mark is his hair shaved, but also tend to wear nylon jackets, clothing with Nazi emblems and military boots.

Gothic: The Gothic movement was born in England around the 70 or 80. This is a tribe “dark” because their aesthetic focuses on black: their makeup, their clothes … The soundtrack is based on gothic rock, death rock or the music industry. Despite its somewhat ghostly appearance and their passion for death and darkness, are a harmless group. Goths advocating tolerance and diversity.

Punks: also known as anti-fascist or anti-punks appeared on the 70 in the United Kingdom. These are lawless and go against the system, against militarization, against capitalism, against consumerism and against neoliberalism. They like to wear clothes explosive, mostly black (in combination with bright colors), broken and worn and punk logos of their favorite bands or with slogans anti-repression. Generally, they all shaved their heads except for the peak or mohaw, denoting social status. Its most representative bands are The Ramones, The Clash or the Sex Pistol. Experts believe the Punks urban guerrillas because often the protagonists fighting against the police.

Bakalaeros: his love for music Bakalao is its most representative. Aesthetics are very similar to that of the skinheads, but instead of taking the hair completely shaved, so take mushroom type: longer shaved to the top and sides. Another major difference is their shoes: they prefer running shoes for army boots. This tribe is often the consumer of designer drugs, which consume to endure the grueling pace of the pull of “Route Bakalao.

Heavies: Besides his passion for heavy in their different styles, this urban tribe also has its own way of dressing, their own symbols and its own lingo. Normally, the heavy authentic feel a strong bond of camaraderie and belonging to his group, as well as devotion to the metal. One of the main signs of identity are their long manes. Also, wear black shirts with their favorite groups. Far has been the image of heavy drug addict, marginal and dangerous.

Emos is one of the tribes that have emerged more strongly, especially among adolescents. They have a very androgynous look: black dress, painted eyes and lips, have long hair very smooth and flequillos they cover their eyes … They are depressed and hate life. The word emo comes from “emotional”, which has its roots in punk and hardcore from the 80s. In today’s songs have been added messages sad, sentimental and suicidal. Does not represent any danger to society but to themselves because of their suicidal.

Rappers: they are fans of hip-hop and rap. Its aesthetics, anchas clothes, hats, sneakers and earrings in their ears make them unmistakable. Most are linked to the graffiti world: they see themselves as artists outside the law, where its unique canvas is the city.

Poperos (Mods): nowadays, the mods poperos or crowded clubs of the big Spanish cities (such as Razzmatazz in Barcelona). These are young middle class without a shared ideology. Simply joins his fondness for the music and its peculiar way of dressing, where there clothes of the 60s, retro and vintage, plates, etc..

The tribes have been with us always, in spite of its constant evolution. All represent a reflection of themselves, or perhaps society in which they lived. ¡Find the Spanish capital! Rent Apartments in Madrid to make your stay a perfect holiday.

If you belong to another tribe and would like to add to the list, leave us a post and write about it soon. We love to hear your ideas.