Given the rise of social networks and internet contacts, a new initiative that is totally opposed to Madrid has arrived: neighborhood weeks to have physical contact with people who live in your same neighborhood.
This is a project promoted by Nextdoor, the platform that connects with neighbors, which will take place between June 19 and 25 in the capital. Several will be held in Madrid, one in the Cebada market, another in the countryside and another more massive one in the Zigia civic center, number 28.
The latter, promoted by Javier Martínez, founder of the space, will allow, for example, residents of the Concepción neighborhood and Ciudad Lineal to visit the center and participate free of charge in yoga and singing classes, see performances of piano or participate in karaoke. In addition, a breakfast will be offered to all residents who come and have a nice time at the premises next Monday.
The objective of these meetings is for the neighbors to share a good meal, talk and get to know each other better. Each neighbor can decide whether to organize a meeting or go to one already planned. The deadline to organize a neighborhood table ended on June 4 and to join one that has already been created, the deadline is June 18.
This initiative is a replica of the one that was held in 2022 in the Netherlands, in which 400 organizers participated and 8,000 neighbors met.
The meeting does not always have to be a meal. According to the organizers, the objective is to “spend time with your neighbours”, but it can be “listen to music together, visit local shops, discover a new cafeteria, go for a walk with the dogs, practice hobbies or talk about common passions”, he explains. Katherine Villegas, Nextdoor city manager in Madrid.
This platform that puts neighbors in contact virtually seeks with this initiative that they now increase their personal relationships.
It is an American company that until now offers Spanish users the use of its platform for free. In other countries it is supported by publicity.
