Can Masdeu is a squatted social centre
, residence and community garden in the Collserola Park on the outskirts of Barcelona. A former leper
hospital which had been abandoned for some 53 years before its
eviction, the squat became famous in 2002, when squatters in lockons and
on tripods nonviolently resisted the eviction. During a three-day
standoff, police were unable to remove the squatters, resulting in the
case returning to the courts. After three years, the case was won by the
owners, but no eviction notice has since been issued.
Most Sundays there is an open house and from 100 to 300 people come
up to participate in activities related to ecology, activism, and
self-sufficiency.
For most Sundays of the year there are public workshops offered in the social centre, the PIC, or
Punt d'Interracció de Collserola. These workshops and presentations cover a variety of topics including:
A vegetarian meal served for which a donation is requested. The meal
typically features food which has been harvested from the communities
gardens or traded with other local farms.
The Social Centre and the rurbar, a cafe serving local and organic
meals and drinks, is open most Sundays from noon until evening.
Activities are listed on the website and in the newsletter
Infousurpa.
A substantial renovation was necessary to make the space livable.
Squatters cleared out rooms and repaired them and moved on to the
adjacent space for a period of over 3 years. Residents enjoy a low
energy, low impact lifestyle with few low power electrical fixtures and a
couple of fireplaces for the sprawling complex.
The community runs a bike shop and repair clinic, bakes bread for
itself and local customers, provides space to the local high school for
meetings and performances, and it also hosts meeting of progressive and
resistance groups.
