Roberta Onirika : Riccione and Ibiza: Two Summer Clubbing Legends by

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In the global panorama of summer clubbing, two destinations stand out for their rich and fascinating history: Riccione and Ibiza. Although they have different origins and characteristics, both have left an indelible mark on the culture of nightlife. 

Ibiza has seen the emergence of the alternative culture brought by hippies who chose it already in the 1960s as one of their destinations, when the Franco dictatorship was still standing. This created the conditions for the development of clubbing as we know it today. Its privileged geographical position, Mediterranean climate and open open mindedness have contributed to make Ibiza a fertile ground for musical exploration and freedom of expression.  

The first clubs in Ibiza began to open their doors to offer a platform to explore new sounds and alternative lifestyles. Pacha, the oldest club in Ibiza and perhaps also the most famous brand, was opened in an old farmhouse in 1973. There, entertainment and spirituality coexisted and attracted many people: on its dance floor the stars of European entertainment danced together with the ordinary people in a magical atmosphere. At the same time, pioneering DJs such as Alfredo Fiorito at Amnesia created a unique sound that captured the imagination of clubbers around the world. This fusion of sounds has helped define the distinctive style of the Ibiza club scene. 

Therefore, Ibiza has always been one of the most sought-after destinations for international clubbers, with a constantly evolving club scene that mixes tradition and innovation. The birth of clubbing in Ibiza represents an important chapter in the history of electronic music and continues to inspire generations of music and club culture lovers. 

Riccione is equally important in clubbing history. On the Italian Adriatic coast, already in the 60s and 70s, young Italians were attracted to spend their evenings carefree along its golden beaches. The city saw the birth of the first nightclubs, offering live music and entertainment for tourists and residents. The Riviera Romagnola nightlife was also born in the 1960s where clubs were real dance halls where singers such as Mina, Johnny Dorelli, Milva or Gianni Morandi performed live, just to name a few. 

But it was in the 70s that with the explosion of 'disco music' that clubs of the Riviera as we know them today were consecrated.  

The first was Baia degli Angeli in Gabicce, which set the tone for everything that came after, even at an international level, dictating the canons of clubbing, music and DJing as we know it now. On its dancefloor we danced the soul, funky, r'n'b performed by the American DJ Tom Season (who is credited with the birth of the DJ mixing technique we know today) and the historic residents of the Baia: Daniele Baldelli and Claudio Moz-Art Rispoli. From there onwards came the others, such Byblos, opened in 1971 with the name "Bilbò di Misano Monte", or Pascià with its fantastic chandelier immortalized in the film "Il Gattopardo" by director Visconti. Followed by Altromondo Studios, Peter Pan, Echoes, Villa delle Rose and many others. 

In 1989 he opened, from the ashes of the Lex Club, a venue which was a huge glass pyramid, where for the first time a new musical genre, Techno, was heard: this venue is Le Cocoricò, or 'the song of the parrot'. 

Prince was also born in that year, with the name Da Da. It was a transgressive and gay friendly club. In 1982 it became White Elephant, elegant and refined and in 1993 it debuted under the name Prince Pleasure Club and became part of the elite of the hill together with Peter Pan. This year it transforms again by hosting one of the historic brands of Ibizan clubbing: Space. 

All these venues have offered and still offer a unique mix of music, atmosphere and entertainment that has made Riccione and Riviera Romagnola become an obligatory stop for the most famous DJs and artists on the international scene, consolidating its reputation as one of the most important destinations for summer clubbing in Italy and around the world. 

Riccione and Ibiza, therefore, share a history of innovation, musical exploration and limitless fun. If Ibiza represents the undisputed queen of international clubbing, Riccione is the hidden jewel of the Italian club scene. Both continue to be popular destinations for clubbers from around the world, offering unique and unforgettable experiences for those seeking summer fun. 

Whether you prefer to dance under the stars on a Spanish island or on the sand of the Romagna coast, one thing is certain: no matter whether the chicken or the egg came first, the history of clubbing in Riccione and Ibiza continues to inspire and entertain generations of lovers of music and nightlife and whether you prefer dancing under the stars on the Spanish island or on the sand of the Romagna coast, one thing is certain: summer 2024 promises to be unforgettable for music and clubbing lovers. 

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