Two weeks ago saw Dias de Campo’s season three of our much-anticipated summer-welcoming event. For those having attended previously, one would have well known that our festival, with a heady main of daytime playtime and a side dish of low-down dirty dance-floor hijinks, made for quite the meal to hone-in on that desired intimate feel of a festival, and without tooting our own trumpet, expectations did not surpass reality.
Montanejos is, quite frankly, one of the most picturesque treasures that Spain holds in its ancient archives and it does not disappoint. Surrounded by archaic buildings left centuries ago, and a ubiquity of old ruins, this hidden Spanish treasure has been and will be the crème de la crème of locations for our budding getaway-from-the-city festival in the years to come.
As is the same with the start of most weekends away from the city life, energy levels were at an all-time high as people stepped off their two-hour coach journey or car-pool filled with friends and solid grooves in preparation for what was going to be a spectacular weekend.
Those difficult-to-escape struggles of daily life for those attending DDC were soon to be vanished, and the festival with its bijou-size feel, well-cultivated line-up and pretty relaxed yet deliberate approach to making this far from conventional festival what it is, in our eyes, has succeeded in every way possible.
One thing separating Dias de Campo from the plethora of others is the super friendly mantra and ethos ebbing through it. You’re less likely to find drunken ruffians throwing lukewarm beers in a mosh-pit over an innocent crowd of girls and more likely to be gifted a hug, or a complimentary present from a fellow party-goer, and this is the mission we have set out to accomplish over the last three years.
This year we really did pull out all the stops, and with stand-out sets from monarchs of dance-music Axel Boman, Joy Orbison, Jon K, Edu Imbernon, Dan Shake and Hamish Cole, the bar was set high for the local budding musicians looking to showcase their raw talent.And showcase it they did.
Friday’s headliners kicked off with Swedish powerhouse and Studio Barnhus’ very own Axel Boman followed by Spanish star-boy Edu Imbernon with incredible sets rocking the Tipi x Jägermeister stage all night long until sun light hit the mountains. It seemed impossible for anyone to leave the Tipi stage as Edu was playing, as he slinked behind the decks playing banger upon banger leaving the crowd with an unforgettable memory of Spainish dance music’s crowned king.
Those in attendance rose early, and the Yoga and Zumba session near the Montanejan springs were the perfect way to start the second day of the festival. Valencian idie rock-bands kicked off the Saturday in the right way, creating the perfect vibe in the Central Plaza of the idyllic town, with standout performances from the likes of Escarlates, Rafa Molina and Polock.
After prodigious exercise and over-use of all muscular tissue from two fun-filled nights of dancing to some of the most funky and riveting music to which our ears have laid siege, Sunday morning’s Yoga and Zumba class almost felt mandatory if dancing to Edu Imbernon’s final set was going to be possible as well as other sets including Butter Side Up’s owner Hamish Cole closing the festival with the most solid of grooves.
Joy Orbison warming up b2b Jon K
Saturday night: Joy Orbison b2b Jon K
Despite being a festival in its nascence, just being present around the outskirts of the three stages, the maturity of both the organising and the music could really be felt, and that is something we really wanted to accomplish this time round, and it is what we are going to strive for in the future. With over 50 acts playing at the festival, ranging from all different backgrounds including Sweden, England, South America and not surprisingly Spain, more tech and organisation that we could have ever imagined, this edition of Dias de Campo was a bar above the rest.
Thank you to the entire population of Montanejos for opening up their doors, their homes and their hearts to all of our party-goers, you are the unsung heroes here.
Big shouts to our friends at the Council of Montanejos for hosting us. Without a doubt the most integral part of the festival, as without them, we would have no festival. It is in our best interest that we retain your trust and treat your beautiful town with the utmost respect that it so rightly deserves. Not only did the Council grant us rights for premises, but also gave us workers to help with the organisation of the festival. We hope this relationship lasts forever.
Big love to the crew at Visit Montanejos as well for their continued support and promotion of our event, which was invaluable as it is our absolute mission to spread the gospel of House across spain and overseas.
People of Montanejos, WE SALUTE YOU.
Until 2020 DDC.
theBasement team
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