On September 25, 1964, Spanish author Carlos Ruiz Zafón was born. And while fans worldwide celebrate his literary legacy today, there’s a special place in the vibrant El Born district of Barcelona where Zafón’s creative universe is honored every day. That place is Mariposa Negra, a cocktail bar created by award-winning mixologist Luca Corradini, known for his innovative approach to mixology.
Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s Literary Legacy
While countless words have been written about Zafón’s novels, few authors manage to create such immersive worlds for both their characters and readers. Carlos Ruiz Zafón was one of those rare talents, which is why he remains so beloved. The Spanish author, the most widely read in the world after Cervantes, is credited with pulling books out of their dusty, elite realm and making them the centerpiece of captivating, accessible stories.
The magic of his success isn’t just in the words themselves but in the almost mystical energy that emanates from his work. His novels, always set in the mysterious corners of Barcelona, evoke emotions mixed with a hint of unease and a powerful desire to get lost in their enchantment.
The Alchemy of Mariposa Negra
Luca Corradini, with his extensive mixology experience (from the American Bar at the Savoy to the Oriole Bar in London), must have had this magical world in mind when he decided to settle in Barcelona and dedicate a space to one of Zafón’s tales. Within the walls of his Mariposa Negra, Corradini invites his guests to immerse themselves in the enigmatic atmospheres of Zafón’s novels, sipping cocktails that perfectly reflect the author’s spirit.
Corradini’s innovative approach shines through with the use of technologies like 3D printers and lasers, turning Mariposa into a true experimental lab. Every detail—from the glasses to the decorations—serves to offer customers a unique, multisensory experience.
But the connection between Corradini and the author goes far beyond the aesthetics of the bar. The name Mariposa Negra itself is inspired by one of Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s most captivating works, Marina, in which the protagonist, Michail Kolvenik, extracts a serum from black butterflies that can bring the dead back to life, though at the cost of creating monstrous hybrid beings.
It’s a touch of alchemy that you can find behind the bar at Mariposa, a constant tribute to the great Catalan writer—celebrated not just on September 25, but every single day. One drink at a time, like turning the pages of a book.
Images courtesy Mariposa Negra
