The historic Stella club in Madrid, once a symbol of freedom during Franco's regime, is now being transformed into a convent school imposing strict dress codes on students.
The Stella club, known for normalizing bikini wear and the topless trend during Spain's Franco regime, has recently been sold to the Christian congregation Union Chrétienne de Saint Chaumond. This transformation marks a significant shift from its past, as the club, once a vibrant leisure spot, is being converted into an educational institution that enforces conservative dress codes on its students.
The new regulations of the school emphasize modesty, outlawing skirts above the knee and banning makeup and dyed hair. The new educational environment is a stark contrast to the club’s historical significance as a place of liberation and social change during a repressive era, reflecting a retreat from the progressive values that the Stella club once embodied.
This change not only highlights the evolving cultural landscape in Spain but also raises questions about the ongoing tension between tradition and modern values. The shift from a place that celebrated the body to a strict religious educational institution serves as a reminder of how societal norms can change drastically over time, reinforcing the dichotomy of Spain's historical dichotomy between liberalism and conservatism.
