Operation Botellón

Anybody who has lived in Spain (or has been lucky enough to stumble across it as a tourist) has probably been to the famous (or infamous for some) botellón. If you haven't been...you took way too many siestas, even by Spain's standards.

For those of you who haven't, what is a botellón you ask?

Botellón is the activity of young people (usually 16-24) gathering in a public spot to drink alcohol that was most likely purchased on their way over to the botellón. Most of us in the U.S. "pre-game" or "pre-party" before we go out to a club. If you are in college, live in L.A., and drinks cost $10-$22 each, the "pre-party" is necessary. Think of a pre-party at your place, but taking it outside, and maybe adding 2,000 more people...that my friends is a botellón.

Many places in Spain have banned botellón (i.e. Madrid) because of the noise, trash that is left behind, etc. However, the place I lived last year (Granada) actually has a designated, legal spot to have a botellón.

If you have been to Granada, and to the botellón there, then you know it's at the Hipercor.

What is a Hipercor? Okay, imagine this: A Super Wal-Mart or Super Target (the one's with a full grocery store) but with the quality and in-store design of a Macy's or Dillard's.

Hipercor is the super version of the store El Corte Ingles. Think of it this way:

Macy's quality + Target = El Corte Ingles. Macy's quality + Super Target = Hipercor. I don't know why they just don't call it Super, or Macro, El Corte Ingles.

Anyways, last year Granada had an outdoor campaign to promote Hipercor...

Simply stated...even if you don't speak Spanish I think you get it.

Now being the marketing major I am (and with somewhat of a creative mind), I really just couldn't contain myself.

So this is what happened...

First, I had to make it.

Second, all my hard work had to be shown off. I decided I didn't want to risk it alone...so I recruited the roommates.

The taxi ride over was amusing to say the least.

The taxi driver thought we were c-razy when we told him what we were doing.
"Que loca esta güerita!"

I just smiled like I didn't understand what he said.

Once we left the taxi, we found our first target.

Here we go...

Almost done.

First one finished.


This is too fun...adrenaline pumpin' where is another one?

Here we go again. You think anyone can see us?

and...

Voilà!
Operation botellón complete.
The end.

First botellón photo courtesy of: http://especiales.ideal.es/anuario/fotos/2006-media/botellon-granada.jpg