New Book Chronicles Legacy of Iconic Tenerife LGTBIQ+ Nightlife Venue
Eusebio Marrero’s new book, Vampis Más Allá de la Noche, chronicles the history of an iconic Puerto de la Cruz nightclub that served as a vital sanctuary for the LGTBIQ+ community in Tenerife.
The history of the Canary Islands has a new chapter with the release of Vampis Más Allá de la Noche by Eusebio Marrero. Supported by the Cabildo de Tenerife’s Equality and Diversity department, the book documents the story of an iconic nightlife venue in Puerto de la Cruz. It goes beyond a simple local history to show how this club served as a vital hub for freedom and community for the LGTBIQ+ population during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
The book’s value lies in its collection of over twenty firsthand accounts. By sharing the experiences of artists and regular patrons, the work creates a generational portrait of the island’s social change. At a time when public role models were scarce and social barriers were high, the club acted as a sanctuary where people could express their true identities without fear.
From a sociological standpoint, this project is essential for understanding how such spaces built support networks. Patricia León, the Island Director of Equality and Diversity, noted that the book highlights how the club’s culture was a key tool in normalizing sexual and affective diversity. The club’s founder, José Manuel Placeres, praised the book for capturing three decades of history, effectively preserving the legacy of a community that found a sense of belonging in the night.
The book’s launch is part of the Cabildo’s agenda for International LGTBIQA+ Pride Day. It is also part of a larger 2025-2030 action plan designed to raise awareness and fight discrimination. By adding this story to Tenerife’s cultural heritage, the island administration aims to honor the history of the venue while recognizing that safe spaces have been fundamental to the progress of civil rights and the creation of a more inclusive society.