CLUBLAND VALENCIA DECEMBER & JANUARY

A Clubbing Carol

Let’s face it; Valencia may not be the European city with the most outstanding atmosphere at Christmas. Nevertheless, you won’t find many places – at least in the northern hemisphere- where you can still have a drink sitting outside and then enjoy open air ice-skating in the winter sun. On top of that, the clubbing scene remains vibrant. Here are some recommendations if you want to dance to something else other than carols or Bing Crosby…

Fryda (Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas, 58) right next to Norman Foster’s impressive ‘Palau de Congressos’, will be putting on a somewhat different night than the usual hits and reggaeton. Given that it’s the 30th anniversary of the emblematical Puzzle club, techno vibes will be bringing the house down on the 3rd of December.

Whether it’s a coincidence or not, Barraca (Avenida San Roc, Sueca, Valencia) is celebrating its 51st anniversary only two days after. Another great chance to relive or discover those 80s never-ending raves with DJs Dubfire and Jackmaster.

The Madrid based garage-pop band Hinds are playing a gig at La3 (Calle Padre Porta 2) on the 10th. There’s a chance you might have already seen them in one of the many summer festivals they played at. But this section is about clubbing, so if you don’t have any oversized vintage clothes available you can still enjoy the Post Concert Party conducted by Fred P a.k.a Black Jazz Consortium. Quoting the DJ himself; “Anyone who followed the development of house music in the USA in the last decade will certainly have met the art of Fred P”. Let’s take his word for it!

Nylon Club (Gran Via Germanias, 31, Valencia) is a hot spot in the trendy part of town called Ruzafa. Its central location is surrounded by bars and other clubs, which gives you the opportunity to have a few drinks or something to eat before going along to this club. With two dancefloors, one dedicated to Indie-Pop and the other to House, Electro and UK Garage it always makes for a good night out.

Another popular club in Ruzafa, for its diversity of musical styles and programming, is Piccadilly (C/dels Tomassos,12). Getting down to the Christmas theme, this club will be staging an event on Christmas Eve, the lineup is undisclosed as yet but it doesn’t really matter who it is because not even The Grinch would be capable of spoiling the night.

With 2016 coming to an end it’s time to make your New Year’s Resolutions, maybe the first one of all should be checking out one of the following New Year’s Parties.

The Basement is a multidisciplinary project focused on bringing a new outlook to the Valencia nightlife scene. This alternative vision will also be present at the basement party they are organizing on the night of the 31st at the Expo Hotel (Av. de Pío XII, 4, Valencia). The Berlin-based DJ Paramida will be one of those in charge of the sounds.

Overlooking the port, stands the singular building Veles e Vents (Marina Real Juan Carlos I) which is offering a night of EDM and current hits. Located in unbeatable surroundings and offering value for money, it’s definitely an option to consider. Right next to it you can find the High Club, which might be the place for you if you’re more into House.

Taking place at La Ferradura Restaurant(Av. Mare Nostrum, 42, Alboraya) is the the Nochevieja Sunrise which, as its name indicates, gives us the opportunity to see the New Year in while contemplating the sunrise over the Med after a night of dance music.

These are just some of the most interesting venues. However, the offer is so varied in Valencia that you might find somewhere better; let us know if you do!

So, this is Christmas 2016 and New Year going into 2017 and i hope you have fun!

Micael Kiernan