The Sa Trinxa Ibiza Affair. Reasons Why DJs Have Been Banned.

A recent decision by the local council in Ibiza to ban DJs from playing at the famous hippy-inspired chiringuito Sa Trinxa, located in a protected nature reserve on one of Europe’s most beautiful and tranquil beaches, has caused outrage, shock, and sadness from certain quarters on the island. Vested interests have been vocal on social media, condemning the decision and have started a petition requesting a change to the law enforced by the Council of Sant Josep, the municipality with authority in the area.

The petition will be about as effective as an ashtray on a motorbike; it will most likely end up in the council’s trash bin, as I would guess the majority of its signatories do not have the right to vote in the local election, which determines the policies of government DIPEF, an association that claims it represents DJS in Ibiza and Formentera, has already admitted that in their years of campaigning on DJ-related issues, they have achieved “practically nothing” with the administration. The Board of Directors of DIPEF include resident island DJs Christian Len, Oliver Azor, Anna Tur, David Moreno and Igor Marijuán.

We have already witnessed the closure of another local viewpoint at Es Vedra after several high-profile international DJs played sets there illegally, broadcasting their performances live to the world. This resulted in a deluge of visitors to the area, which led to its closure due to complaints of anti-social behaviour from neighbours. The council later fined DJ Diplo 300,000 euros for hosting a party at Es Vedra, a EU protected area of Special Natural Interest, without permission. Es Vedra is located in the same municipality as Sa Trinxa and is administered by the same council in Sant Josep, which has now banned DJs from playing at Sa Trinxa. So it would not take Sherlock Holmes to deduce who is at fault and responsible for this action. Once bitten, twice shy, and the Sant Josep council does not want another local amenity to fall victim to disrespectful tourism. They hold the view that prevention is better than a cure in this instance, as they know only too well the nature of the beast that threatens their way of life. Locals would also argue that regulation is not the same as prohibition. If some tourists cannot adhere to the one simple request of no smoking on the beach, then where does that lack of respect for local laws lead to?

In a previous blog, I discussed how locals perceive the current tourism model.

“They all share the same sentiment: the current tourism model in Ibiza is not genuinely representative of the island; visitors from outside primarily drive it. It’s imported, not indigenous, and no longer reflects the local culture, as it once did”

I understand that people are upset over the ban, and emotions are running high on this issue. People have lost a much-loved venue and their jobs as DJs. It’s only natural to be upset over it. But the feelings of those who call Ibiza home have also got to be considered. They, too, have the right to protect what they feel is their culture. The local community has been so welcoming of tourists in Ibiza that kind hospitality is what makes the island so special. Maybe now it’s time for us to give something back to them.