Victor Atamian, Dunas Map "Man of the Month" for January 2026

Dunas Map
2 days ago
3 min read

The Dunas Map Man of the Month for January 2026 is Victor Atamian. Originally from Sofia, Bulgaria, he left his homeland at the age of 20. After living in several different countries, he has now called Gran Canaria home for 20 years. Today, he works at Zoo Mens bar, where he has become one of the most popular figures in Maspalomas nightlife.

Victor Atamian, Dunas Map Man of the Month January 2026

Victor has agreed to share his journey with us, explaining why he loves living here and what it's like working in a cruising bar. · Could you introduce yourself as fully as possible :

I'm Víctor, age 49, from Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. I left Sofia when I was 20 years old and wandered for a while in Europe, first in Germany for 7 years. Almost a year in Switzerland, and 3 years in Luxembourg.

What is the essential thing we should know about you ?

An essential thing... My motto : "If you always put a smile on your face, no matter how difficult things are, you will eventually start laughing for real !"

· How long have you been living in Gran Canaria ? Why have you decided to stay here ? Is your family here also ?

I have been in Gran Canaria for almost 20 years, and I have part of my family with me here. Here I finally find myself at home. Mainly because of our gay community, the high tolerance (the whole island, not just Yumbo), the good weather, and how welcoming the Canarians were to me.

· Tell us about your professional activity: What is your background ? Where did you work and for how long before Zoo Mens Bar ?

I work through a lot of places here on the island, hotels, restaurants, etc. My first job in Yumbo was at Coco Loco for about 3 years (when I was young and skinny 😜), then I moved to Cruise Bar (about 2 and a half years there), and after that I spend a year in the old Construction (2011).

· Have you been working at Zoo Mens Bar since it first opened ? Or when exactly ? Can you tell us how you ended up there and why you chose this job, this place ?

When I left Construction, I was pretty sure that was my last night job in the scene, but in 2015 (shortly after opening), the Zoo Bar was searching for staff, and I started there. I wasn't planning for this to be a long-term job, but after more than 10 years, I'm still there, happy and enjoying every minute !

· Tell us about the bar: how is it different from others ? What makes it special, and what kind of services, parties, or promotions do you offer?

Zoo Mens Bar is a different kind of cruising club; it's social, clean, fun, and welcoming. Weekly we organise different theme nights, two of which are "Bears & Admirers Mixers", and it's a lot of fun !

· You are the most recognizable face of the bar—you’re the one greeting everyone at the entrance. Tell us about your job there.

Hosting in a place like this is a pleasure for me and the whole team, and we are really proud of what we do ! Seeing people talk and flirt with each other, having a good time in real life and not just on Grindr, is very satisfying and creates a special atmosphere.

· Do you define yourself as a 'bear'? Tell us a bit about your connection to this specific community.

I do consider myself a bear, and trying to represent the community is my pleasure. So many clients became friends over time and not just numbers.

· What are your favorite places or events in Gran Canaria ? Where do you like to go out during your free time ? What are your hobbies ?

Personally, I love the north part of the Island, and I try to spend my free time there. The food, the people, and nature are amazing !

· What is the most beautiful trip you've ever been on ?

The most beautiful trip I had was to the south of France and the Alps.

· Which is the type of music you like to listen to ?

In private, Nu Metal and Metal Core (I know, too much). In the bar, I like Manuel Carranco (an amazing Dj from Madrid, known for Into the Tank, Odarko, etc.).

· Which are the artists you follow ?

I follow Rosalia, Bad Omens, and Falling in Reverse.

· The kind of movies you like ?

I like Mine Vaganti, Dark Waters, and Marvel movies, for example.

· Some books to recommend, if you like to read.

Everything from Isaac Asimov, fantasy, sci-fi, and that type of literature.