Matavenero is a small town in El Bierzo (León) that has a very notable peculiarity: it is a town inhabited by a group of hippies. It could be just another town in empty Spain, but nothing could be further from the truth.
In the 1960s, Matavenero was completely depopulated, and it was not until thirty years later that a group of hippies appeared and decided to settle in the town. In 1989, several people who were part of the international Rainbow Family movement joined together in Matavenero to create a hippie ecovillage.
But first of all, what is the 'Rainbow Family' movement?
It is a community that maintains the hippie movement that was born in the United States in the 1960s. All its members are spread around the world and live in communes. Once a year, they meet somewhere on the planet to pay tribute to the first meeting of the 'Rainbow Family', which was in 1972 in Colorado.
Matavenero, the hippie icon of Spain
Although it is true that it is a somewhat unknown town within Spain, internationally it is a reference point for hippie life. It is located at the top of the Montes de León mountain and its inhabitants have managed to give a twist to the idea of society and community, since they live with some peculiarities that are different from the rest of the people.
Currently, the ecovillage has more than 70 inhabitants, of more than seven nationalities. There are a total of 16 children under the age of 18, who attend the municipal school.
The village is open to anyone who wants to change their life. In fact, the village can be visited and has a camping area for people who want to know what life is like in Matavenero.
As a curiosity, in 2012 ' Matavenero, the rainbow town ' was released, a documentary focused on the life of the village and its inhabitants.
Would you dare to visit Matavenero?
Photo. Kevin Faingnaert Photography
In the 1960s, Matavenero was completely depopulated, and it was not until thirty years later that a group of hippies appeared and decided to settle in the town. In 1989, several people who were part of the international Rainbow Family movement joined together in Matavenero to create a hippie ecovillage.
But first of all, what is the 'Rainbow Family' movement?
It is a community that maintains the hippie movement that was born in the United States in the 1960s. All its members are spread around the world and live in communes. Once a year, they meet somewhere on the planet to pay tribute to the first meeting of the 'Rainbow Family', which was in 1972 in Colorado.
Members of the 'Rainbow Family' at their reunion in Colorado (2022). Photo. Matt Stensland
When they found Matavenero, they did not hesitate for a second to settle there. In fact, the town has been inhabited for more than 35 years.Matavenero, the hippie icon of Spain
Although it is true that it is a somewhat unknown town within Spain, internationally it is a reference point for hippie life. It is located at the top of the Montes de León mountain and its inhabitants have managed to give a twist to the idea of society and community, since they live with some peculiarities that are different from the rest of the people.
Photo. Iberian Network of Ecovillages
In Matavenero there is no television, but there is music. There are no cars, no big buildings, instead people get around on bicycles and have houses with mountain views. It is a village that uses solar energy, and one of its peculiarities is that no two houses are the same. They are all different, but they share one thing in common: their impressive views of the valley.Photo. SHUTTERSTOCK
Photo. Todonegro
The work and organization of the town's residents is what keeps the town alive. Matavenero is a completely self-sufficient town, where they have a school, a health center, and organic gardens where they grow their food.Photo. Kevin Faingnaert Photography
Currently, the ecovillage has more than 70 inhabitants, of more than seven nationalities. There are a total of 16 children under the age of 18, who attend the municipal school.
The village is open to anyone who wants to change their life. In fact, the village can be visited and has a camping area for people who want to know what life is like in Matavenero.
As a curiosity, in 2012 ' Matavenero, the rainbow town ' was released, a documentary focused on the life of the village and its inhabitants.
Would you dare to visit Matavenero?
