LaSal Bar in 1970s Barcelona

A Revolutionary Hub of Feminist Thought and Culture

In the vibrant and politically charged atmosphere of 1970s Barcelona, LaSal Bar emerged as more than just a place to grab a drink—it became a legendary space of feminist resistance, creativity, and community. Founded in 1977 by the pioneering artist and activist Mari Chordà, LaSal Bar quickly grew into a central hub for feminist discourse and cultural expression, playing a crucial role in the burgeoning feminist movement in Catalonia.

The Birth of a Feminist Sanctuary

The idea for LaSal Bar was born out of Chordà’s deep commitment to creating spaces where women could freely express themselves and find solidarity amidst the repressive socio-political environment of post-Franco Spain. At the time, feminist voices were still struggling to be heard, and traditional public spaces often failed to accommodate or welcome the radical ideas emerging from the movement. Chordà envisioned LaSal not just as a bar, but as a sanctuary; a place where women could gather to share ideas, engage in intellectual discussions, and build a community rooted in shared experiences and common goals.

A Space for Culture and Resistance

LaSal Bar was unique in its approach, blending the casual and social aspects of a bar with the intellectual and cultural depth of a library or salon. The bar quickly became a meeting point for feminist activists, writers, artists, and thinkers, fostering an environment where conversations about gender, sexuality, and social justice could flourish. The space was deliberately designed to be inclusive and welcoming, offering a refuge from the patriarchal norms that dominated much of society.

The bar’s associated feminist publishing house, also named LaSal, played a significant role in amplifying the voices of women who were often marginalized or silenced. Through LaSal, many feminist texts, essays, and works of poetry were published and distributed, providing essential resources for the feminist movement in Spain. The publishing house became a vital platform for feminist expression, helping to shape the discourse on women’s rights and gender equality during a time of significant social transformation.

Pleasure as a Form of Resistance

One of the core philosophies behind LaSal was the idea that pleasure itself could be a form of resistance. Chordà believed that creating a space where women could enjoy music, spoken word, and each other’s company was a radical act in a society that often sought to control and repress women’s lives and bodies. "We wanted to generate spoken word, music, and above all, pleasure" Chordà once said, emphasizing the subversive power of joy and communal experience. This focus on pleasure was not just about entertainment—it was about reclaiming agency and creating a space where women could experience and express joy on their own terms.

A Lasting Legacy

Though LaSal Bar eventually closed, its impact on the feminist movement in Spain and beyond has endured. The bar and its associated publishing house provided a crucial platform for feminist ideas and cultural production during a pivotal time in Spain’s history. LaSal became a symbol of feminist resistance and empowerment, remembered not just for the drinks it served, but for the ideas it fostered and the community it built.

Today, LaSal Bar is celebrated as a pioneering space that helped to shape the course of feminist thought and activism in Catalonia. It stands as a testament to the power of community, creativity, and resistance in the face of oppression, and serves as an inspiring example of how cultural spaces can play a vital role in social change. Mari Chordà’s vision for LaSal continues to resonate, reminding us of the importance of creating spaces where marginalized voices can be heard, and where the pursuit of pleasure and joy can be seen as a powerful act of defiance.