Ibiza 2012 Opening Parties – Dates For Your Diary
Whether you’re a White Island regular or brand new to the Ibiza club scene, there are some dates that need to be on your radar if you’re jetting off to the world’s party capital this summer…
When: Thursday 24th May
Where: Pacha, Ibiza Town
What: Based in the likes of Vegas, Rio de Janeiro and Miami, Pacha is one of the most well-known nightspots – not to mention names – in the world. The Ibiza HQ may be famous for its thumping house music, but the club actually has 5 different music zones, including disco, funk and hip-hop corners. Fancy something a bit more chilled out? Head to the Roof Terrace for amazing views and equally amazing cocktails. This year’s opening party sees the return of music legend David Guetta, who’ll be on the decks in the multi-tiered Main Room on 24th May. And joining the French superstar DJ in the booth are his wife Cathy and R&B singer Taio Cruz. Be warned, though, this place gets absolutely packed. Look out for famous faces like Paris and Nicky Hilton among the crowds – they’re often seen mingling in the VIP areas at the start of the season.
How: Tickets are already sold out online, but you can get yours at one of the official Pacha stores – they’re dotted all over the island – or on the door. Expect to pay anything from 70 euros.
When: Sunday 27th May
Where: Space, Playa D’en Bossa
What: It’s all about the dance floor at Space. This gigantic nightclub has clocked up several gongs for Best Global Club at the International Dance Music Awards. And it’s no wonder. Unlike Privilege and Amnesia (who were ordered to get rid of theirs due to noise complaints), Space still has a HUGE open-air dance floor, and thanks to its proximity to the airport, revellers can dance into the early hours with planes flying in above their heads. This year, things kick off with the Opening Fiesta on Sunday 27th May, when Space veteran Carl Cox returns to the decks for the 11th year in a row. He’ll be bringing some special guests with him, too – DJs Roger Sanchez, Mark Knight and Wally Lopez will be along for the ride.
How: Visit http://www.spaceibiza.com/ for tickets. They’re going for 60 euros online.
When: Wednesday 6th June
Where: Ibiza Rocks, San Antonio
What: Ok, so Ibiza Rocks isn’t technically a club, but it’s as good as. This hotel is San An’s party central, and it opened its doors for the first time in 2008. Since then, its poolside stage has been graced by world-renowned acts like Tinie Tempah, Dizzee Rascal, Fatboy Slim and Maverick Sabre. This year, the standard is set to continue, too, with the likes of Kasabian, Example and Mark Ronson providing the summer soundtrack. Things kick off on Wednesday 6th June with the award-winning Ed Sheeran. Gigs will then run weekly until September, with daytime pool parties and silent raves getting in on the act.
How: Book your tickets at http://www.ibizarocks.com/
When: Thursday 14th June
Where: Amnesia, San Antonio
Amnesia started life as a finca – a traditional farmhouse in the rural Ibizan countryside. The club was then founded in 1976, with the likes of Bob Marley performing here back in the Disco Decade. Today, it’s one of the world’s hottest clubs, with 16 bars and over 200 members of staff, including scantily-clad go-go dancers, security and light technicians. The club’s 24-coloured laser system creates some of the most amazing light shows on the island, and A-listers like P.Diddy and Calvin Klein often frequent its VIP zones. This year it all kicks off with the Cocoon Heroes: Into the Magic party on the 11th June, but it’s the Cream Ibiza opening party that you need to be at. On the 14th June, Grammy award-winning Paul Van Dyk will take to the decks in the Main Room, alongside some of the biggest names in electronic music, like Gareth Wyn and John O’Callaghan. Out on the terrace, meanwhile, Sean Hughes and DEADMAU5 will be cranking up the volume until the early hours.
How: Get involved at http://www.amnesia.es/
When: Monday 25th June
Where: Privilege, between San Antonio and Ibiza Town
What: Privilege is no one-trick-pony. In fact, this place has a whole host of stuff up its sleeve. It holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest club, flaunting 25-metre-high ceilings, a huge swimming pool, a sprawling garden and a state-of-the-art stage for spectacular erotic shows. Its sheer size means it’s a total chameleon, too – the club has interchangeable décor, so it can be given a new look every night. The summer 2012 action kicks off with Dutch DJ Armin Van Buuren’s A State of Trance Invasion. He’ll then be in residence – along with special guests – every Monday until the 24th September. Trust us, this is another one you’ll want to get tickets in advance for.
How: Check out http://www.privilegeibiza.com for tickets. They’ll set you back anything from 40 euros, depending on whether you buy them online or when you’re out there.
We’ve picked our favourites above, but there are plenty more opening parties on the list. Check out 2 other biggies at http://www.esparadis.com and http://www.edenibiza.com