I love music festivals and today, August 1st marks the fifth anniversary of the first one I ever attended: Lollapalooza 2014, since that Chicago summer festival I’ve fortunate to attend 11 festivals in four different countries (United States, Mexico, Portugal and Spain).
After I read @LucyPalmer post about exploring music festivals in Google Earth I decided to write this post with the mere intention to know more music festivals around the globe. Are you a frequent attendant? Are there many in your country? What is the predominant music genre?
In my personal experience, I enjoy alternative rock, indie and electronic music festivals. I got the chance to sing along my favourite bands and dance to DJs I love. Mexico has seen a gigantic boom in music festivals in the last three or four years. The biggest festival is called Corona Capital and this November will be the 10 anniversary in Mexico City with live acts such as The Strokes, Franz Ferdinand, Billie Eilish, Two Door Cinema Club and Keane.
Tomorrowland is one of the main reasons most countries now have their own EDM festival, in Mexico, the best ones are called Electric Daisy Carnival and Dreamfields, both of them have venues in Europe and I think the US. This particular genre has become widely popular among teenagers and young adults alike. Tiësto, Alesso, John Digweed, Jamie Jones and CamelPhat have played in these festivals recently.
After experiencing festivals in different countries I can say there’re many thinks alike and tons of different details in each of them. For example:
Lollapalooza Chicago has the best organization and facilities, the backdrop of Chicago’s skyline is amazing, food is great and the lineup usually has a good balance between R&B, EDM, rock and pop. It was awful that it ended at 10pm, c’mon Lolla! You can do better than that, and it is quite expensive. I don’t know if it was just me, but I felt Americans get crazy with Rap and EDM and are a bit down with rock bands.
Most enjoyable acts I saw here: Kings of Leon, Blood Orange and Arctic Monkeys.
Corona Capital Mexico City each year has been improving, the whole weekend it is relatively cheap and the lineups keep getting better. On the downside, Mexican crowds are wild, both positive and negatively. The venue is huge but not that pretty. Overall a nice weekend with friends.
Most enjoyable acts I saw here: Kasabian, Grimes and Muse.
When I think about Primavera Sound Barcelona the first thing that comes to mind is HIPSTER! I’ve never felt more out of place. Sound system, stages and bands were terrific, but the atmosphere wasn’t. If you are a party monster this is the place for you, the festival starts around 6 pm and ends at 7 am for four days. Yes, it is not for newbies.
Most enjoyable acts I saw here: The Last Shadow Puppets, Tame Impala and Beirut.
Nos Alive in Lisbon Portugal is the best festival I’ve been a part of. It is not that big, so you never feel overwhelmed, cheap beers and good food. Portuguese attendees know how to rock and roll while being 100% respectful of others. I camped for the weekend with my cousin and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Totally recommend it. I implore you to go if you have the chance.
Most enjoyable acts I saw here: Future Islands, Alt J and Disclosure.
Going to music festivals has become a tradition with my friends. Since 2014, each year we have attended one together at least once a year. It is a fantastic way to meet new people, dance your problems off and being genuinely happy for a whole weekend. You feet are going to kill you, but its damn worth it. I have no regrets in any of them. Please share your stories below! Music is life!
