Ibiza's parties roared back in life this past week, with easily the most livewire opening weekend in living memory. Wherever we went, dancefloors were packed. We even had several sold out parties - unheard of during past openings.
You might think things calm down a little this week. Think again.
Following a 24-hour double-header opening extravaganza last weekend, Ushuaïa and Hï Ibiza are two clubs which explode back on the scene this Saturday. The return of ANTS just got bigger and better, with not one but a two club takeover on 7 May.
Double trouble from ANTS and The Night League
Commencing at the open-air playground that is Ushuaïa, the ANTS opening party features all the underground House and Techno talent anyone could hope for. From FISHER to Eats Everything and a special back-to-back between Davide Squillace and Matthias Tanzmann. Prunk, Syreeta and Raúl Rodríguez also play.
The stage is set for an incredible open till close, where the venue will be transformed into a science-fiction film set inspired by B-movies of the 1960s, continuing until midnight.
Much like the dual Better Together Opening Party, the action doesn't stop there.
Marching across the road at 23:30, the ANTS colony moves to neighbouring Hï Ibiza for the first time ever. The music will take a darker turn, with infamous ANTS selector Andrea Oliva putting on a special b2b with Nic Fanciulli.
Joris Voorn, Paco Osuna b2b Ilario Alicante, Eli & Fur and Chloé Robinson are the other names on the nighttime bill, with a highlight from Bulgarian Techno wizard KiNK - definitely one not to miss. Follow the trail back to the dancefloor for an unmissable day-to-night party.
House and Disco heavyweights
The Defected camp has only just walked away from a blockbuster opening weekend, which saw it hit five Ibiza venues in three days. It also became the first label to host a party in the Old Town, Dalt Vila. Despite this, the foot isn't being taken off the pedal.
Defected's second 2022 party at Eden sees four of the DJs from last weekend back: Low Steppa, Melé and Alan and Christian Anadon AKA the Mambo Brothers. They will be joined by headline act Gorgon City for a feisty Friday encounter.
There's little rest for the wicked! At the opposite end of the weekend, the camp's second weekly residency begins.
Disco odyssey Glitterbox kicks-off its longest season at Hï Ibiza on Sunday, returning for a whopping 22-date residency. Think drag queens, multicoloured exuberance and crazy Disco productions. The party is one of the most flamboyant and inclusive events on the island.
Oh, and it's really hit the nail on the head with the roster too.A powerful opening party line-up sees Basement Jaxx, Dave Lee, Fat Tony, Melon Bomb, Natasha Diggs, Roger Sanchez and Simon Dunmore all play. No messin' about there. What a way to end the weekend.
Pacha's cherries sparkle
Following a grin-inducing Grand Opening Party with the one and only Solomun last Friday, proceeds with a series of pre-season warm-ups from Thursday to Saturday.
That sold out curtain-raiser also introduced us to Pacha's new and improved dancefloor.
With pillars now removed, the space has been opened up and feels ten times bigger. Anyone who attended last weekend for either the opening or Loco Dice's all night long on Sunday will attest how much of a difference it makes.
Starting tonight, 5 May, Ibiza Talents brings De La Swing, Cristian Viviano and Proudly People to a celebration of local DJs.
Tomorrow, 6 May, sees Sebastian Gamboa's Vintage grace the dancefloors of Pacha. He'll be joined for a night of fun by sister duo Lunnas, Oscar Colorado, vocalist Mimi Barber, violinist B-Linda and saxophonist Anastasia McQueen. Something a little bit different to standard DJ sets.
Saturday 7 May is a very alluring prospect, with Mano Le Tough and John Talabot in town for Passion Beat. Take this rare opportunity to catch these DJ geniuses playing on Ibiza, in addition to seeing Pacha's new layout. Tickets for these three parties can be picked-up here.
What's happening at Akasha?
In the north of Ibiza, Akasha continues its indisputably excellent weekend programme.
Just added for Thursday, Spanish-based duo and acclaimed Deep House act Audiofly start the weekend. Known for their guest appearances at Ibiza's top parties, as well as a very popular past residency at Veto/Grial, Anthony and Luca have a loyal following on the island.
We're sure this date will prove popular amongst clubbers in the know, so secure your ticket now for the cheapest price - available exclusively through Ibiza Spotlight.
Friday and Saturday night follow an equally high standard with Eelke Kleijn, Unders and Nico Stojan all playing across the peak of the weekend.
Finally, Sunday ends with the final instalment of Ethereal before it switches to its summer programme. The psychedelic music and arts festival has Jo Mills and Santanna Oush as headline DJs, while a live performance from Iban Mendoza should never be passed up.
Tickets for these four parties, as well as future dates, can be picked up here.
Something different...
... because electronic music isn't for everybody, Octan Ibiza starts its new Saturday night programme in the heart of Playa d'en Bossa.
If you like your hips hopped and your Rs B'd, then get yourself down to Urban Club Culture's opening party on 7 May. Brought to you by the team behind RICHBITCH, UCC features Trap, Reggaeton and other bodacious forms of rap music from Latin and Northern Americas.
Should you wanna continue with the slow jams and rump shakers on Monday, DJ Policy has got you covered with pure vibes in San Antonio. After a suitably vibey opening party, You Know The Vibes continues its 2022 account at Es Paradis with tickets available from just €25.
You can find full listings on our party calendar. Alternatively, follow the links above to locate your party tickets.
WORDS | by Lissy Lübeck and Stephen Hunt
