Ibiza parties like COVID-19 never happened
Partygoers on the Spanish holiday island of Ibiza are partying like Covid-19 “never happened,” after the Mediterranean island’s famous mega-clubs have reopened their doors after two years.
“It has exceeded our expectations,” said Pacha spokeswoman Paloma Tur. “We still can’t say for certain that the numbers will be better than 2019, but everything indicates yes.”
The director general of Ibiza nightclub operator Ushuaia Entertainment, Roberto de Lope, says it’s a “relief” to finally be able to open, but added that they are “still affected, with a lot of loans that we must pay back.”
One of the group’s clubs, Hi Ibiza, which can hold up to 5,700 people, was preparing to open at midnight.
Some locals aren’t happy about the clubs reopening – noting that Ibiza and the neighbouring island of Formentera saw 1.9 million tourists in 2021 – just over half of pre-pandemic figures, while most nightclubs were shut.
“I think Ibiza has realised that we don’t just live off parties,” said Jaume Ribas, the spokesman of an association called “Prou”, or “enough” in Catalan, which opposes the mass gatherings.
Ribas notes that the influx of tourists causes traffic problems and has been blamed for rising crime related to the drug trade, along with a shortage of housing for locals.
“The problems have accelerated this year,” he added.
That said, the tourists aren’t such buzzkills.
“There are no more restrictions,” said Sara Borrego, 32, who came to Ibiza from Cadiz in southern Spain with a group of friends to celebrate her upcoming wedding. “We don’t have to wear a mask, we feel free.”
