Disco Deseo 54, the queen of the gay night in Valencia

Kike Sacristan, the first on the right. DESSEO 54

Unlike Barcelona or Madrid, and its very famous quarter Chueca,Valencia has not many places for gais and lesbiansto have fun. Some of them closed during the period of government of Rita Barberá,the mayoress of the city between 1991 and 2015. Most of them were in El Carmen, an area that could be regarded as theValencian Chueca. First it was Café Deseo that closed down; then, Mona Lisa; thirdly, La Goulou and, finally, Venial. This last one was an institution, the queen of the gay night until the irruption of Deseo 54, directed by Kike Sacristan. Located at Pepita Street 15, near 'Torres de Serranos', one of the entrances to the medieval city, a parallel street to Sagunto Street and Constitución Avenue. This is a perfect place asthere are hardly any neighbours. Therefore, the problems of noise pollution are not so important here as in El Carmen and this is one of the reasons for its long and successful life. Deseo has just celebrated its 13th anniversary.

Last 16th April I reckoned was a perfect day to remember old times, so I decided to go to Deseo and enjoy the performance of Nalaya, Diva Houston and La Faraona. It was a fabulous party, the disco was packed, as usual, and the ambiance was special with an atmosphere of an important event. All the gogo dancers were dressed for the special occasion, and so were the barmen, always with a smile on their faces.The disco has got two large counters on the ground floor, where all the shows were performed on a central scaffold, while there is another counter, a smaller one, on the first floor, an isolated and more restricted area with a different kind of music, Pop, Spanish and all-time hits.

The entry price depends on many factors: whether there is an important party or celebration, the time you arrive at the disco or if you have registered previously on some of the lists. Therefore, it can oscillate between 8 or ten euros to twenty, on very special occasions. Besides, with your entry ticket you have got a right to one or even more drinks.

Deseo 54 is a place that I would recommend for all those people who love good music and a great atmosphere to dance, have fun and, who knows, maybe also meet someone special.