On February 8, 2025, I had the pleasure of joining the course A História da Noite de Lisboa, coordinated by Rosa Maria Fina, with a guest lecture focused on the dramatic changes that Lisbon’s nightlife has undergone from the 1980s to the present day.
My talk, titled “Cidades noturnas, cultura e transformação: experiências contemporâneas de estudo da noite”, offered a critical analysis of the transformation of Bairro Alto—Lisbon’s iconic night district—as it evolved from a bohemian cultural hotspot into a highly commodified and overtouristified space. Drawing on ethnographic and historical insights, I discussed how policies, real estate speculation, and the rise of proximity and international tourism have reshaped this neighbourhood’s nocturnal life, often at the expense of local dynamics and informal cultures.
The course, which ran from January 14 to February 8, 2025, provided students with an in-depth exploration of Lisbon’s nocturnal past, from queer nights and night work to literary representations and mythological figures. It was an honour to contribute to this unique initiative dedicated to tracing the city’s multifaceted night history.
Many thanks to Rosa Maria Fina for the kind invitation and for making this space of reflection possible.
Manuel Garcia-Ruiz 