A Memorandum: Ibiza Closing Parties

Written By Cecilia Doreng-Stearns

Far off in the Mediterranean Sea off the east coast of Spain there lies a magical wonderland of an island, where the best DJs in the world play back to back on the most perfectly crafted sound systems in cavernous megaclub worlds. Where white sand beaches meet turquoise waters and gorgeous people bask in the golden sun. You know the place – the White Island, Eivissa, or as most know it, Ibiza f*cking island.

The Ibiza nightlife season typically begins in late May, when many of the well known clubs such as DC-10 and Space have their massive opening parties, kicking off the summer in a style that is unparalleled anywhere else. Unfortunately, all good things must (despite much kicking and screaming on our part) come to an end, and so it is with the Ibiza season, which ended during the first week of October. Circo Loco at DC-10 officially wrapped up the closing parties, with its blowout final event featuring the most talented artists in House and Techno, including names such as Damian Lazarus, Dubfire, Ellen Allien, Ricardo Villalobos, Seth Troxler, and The Martinez Brothers.

Many other noteworthy closing parties took place in the few weeks before October, with every event trying to outdo the competition and create the most memorable and out-of-this-world conclusion to the summer months. We Love at Space presented an incredible line-up, filling all six of its rooms with some of the best and varied talent from around the world including Aphex Twin, James Zabiela, Fatboy Slim, 2 Many DJs, and Joris Voorn. Over at Amnesia, the Cream closing party brought in heavy trance and electro hitters Paul van Dyk, Calvin Harris, and Chris Lake, while Cocoon threw serious techno to the crowds with Sven Vath, Loco Dice, and Ricardo Villalobos taking over the decks.

It’s disheartening to think that there won’t be masses of joyful creatures of the night reveling in an ocean of beats for another seven or so months, but on the other hand it will be less tempting to spontaneously quit your job and buy a plane ticket to Spain. Everyone has gone home to their regular lives, whatever that means, and the temporary fantasy of the electronic island paradise has to be put in a box and stored in the attic until summer rolls around again. Until then, the DJs play on, albeit in different cities, and Ibiza Sonica broadcasts 24-hours a day, so if you close your eyes and give in to the sound, your imagination can take your right back to EDM heaven. After all, the party isn’t over until the last record spins.

Stay tuned to Ibiza 2012!