Ibiza’s Battle Against Illegal Parties
While Ibiza is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and electrifying music scene, a darker underbelly plagues this beautiful island. A surge in illegal parties has raised concerns among employers and property owners, who fear the return of these clandestine events in September and early October. In this comprehensive report, we delve into the pressing issue of illegal parties in Ibiza and the urgent measures demanded by employers to combat this growing problem.
Illegal Parties Return to Ibiza
In August, the Association of Tourist Housing of Ibiza (AVAT) reported a troubling resurgence in the number of registered illegal parties. These gatherings, often meticulously organized, transform vacation properties into party venues, complete with amplified music and capacity-busting guest lists. Roberto San Esteban, President of AVAT, expresses his concerns: “By the end of August, we observed that as clubs reached full capacity, some individuals sought to generate income by organizing these parties once again.”
The Dark Days of the Pandemic: A Look Back
It was at the onset of the pandemic and two years ago when Ibiza experienced a proliferation of illegal parties. San Esteban recalls, “It was then that we discovered that most of these parties occurred in ordinary, non-tourist homes, which were rented year-round and transformed into party venues during the summer months.” During this period, the impact on vacation homes was relatively minimal, thanks to the funds allocated by the Consell to combat illegal parties, which were deemed effective.
However, this financial support ceased after a quiet 2022, leading to renewed concerns.
The Intricate Organization of Illegal Parties
Illegal parties on the island are meticulously organized affairs. Vacation properties are often modified to accommodate these events, with soundproofing measures and the installation of air conditioning systems to ensure comfort. Organizers provide special services, including transportation options like taxis to ferry guests. They equip the villas with sound systems and undertake significant food purchases. To attract attendees, organizers rely on specialized event applications and mobile payment systems like Bizum, ensuring ease of access and payment.
Illegal Parties on the Rise Again
The employers have observed a sharp increase in the number of parties held this August. Most of these events took place in properties categorized as “illegal houses,” which are rented year-round but become hosts to these clandestine parties during the summer season. San Esteban explains, “There have also been several cases of legally rented tourist housing being used for these purposes. The advantage we have is that the owners and marketers of these tourist villas have identified their properties in photos depicting these illegal activities.”
Property Owners’ Vigilance
Property owners, once they identify their homes as venues for illegal parties, take proactive steps to prevent them. These actions include placing vehicles at property entrances or hiring private security to monitor access points. San Esteban acknowledges, “We are aware that in other properties, these parties continue to occur regardless of complaints from neighbors or reports.” Parties often result in property damage, which can affect subsequent guests in vacation homes, underlining the importance of these security measures.
Employers Demand Accountability
Given the recent surge in registered parties, employers have reiterated their demands to the Consell d’Eivissa. One of their primary concerns is the continued responsibility placed on property owners for these activities. San Esteban emphasizes, “We have once again proposed that when noise complaints, parties, or potential parties are reported, the Local Police should notify the Consell of the property in question, checking if it is legally designated as tourist housing. If so, the owner should be informed, and precautionary deposits immediately blocked, with clients reported for fines, thus shifting responsibility from owners to clients.”
This proposal, initially presented two years ago, was suspended after illegal parties virtually disappeared last summer. Employers now seek its reinstatement, believing that most owners are unaware of parties being held on their properties.
AVAT’s Innovative Solutions
AVAT is committed to preventing illegal parties by introducing innovative tools, which will be unveiled at their upcoming congress on October 19 and 20. San Esteban elaborates, “One of these tools is an application that can be installed in properties to detect sounds or music exceeding 65dB, the maximum level permitted by municipalities. It also monitors occupancy levels and even detects smoke during designated smoke-free periods in properties.”
Navigating the Controversy
The surge in illegal parties has ignited controversy, with both government authorities and hoteliers pointing fingers at vacation homes as culprits for overcrowding and increased vehicle traffic on the island. San Esteban counters, “We do not see vacation homes as the sole cause of massification and the surge in vehicle numbers.” Nonetheless, the negative image associated with illegal parties continues to cast a shadow, affecting not only vacation homes but the island’s reputation as a whole
The Ongoing Struggle
The surge in illegal parties presents a significant challenge to Ibiza’s employers and property owners. Urgent measures are needed to address this issue and prevent further damage to the island’s reputation and properties. As stakeholders seek accountability and innovative solutions, the battle against illegal parties rages on, with the hope that swift action will ensure the preservation of Ibiza’s vibrant spirit and stunning beauty for future generations.
