Iconic Music venues coming back to life in Sitges

Following an article that I wrote for L’eco de Sitges in March 2024, ‘Sitges iconic music venues and the culture that goes with them’, I commented on the frustration of the demise of a number of nightlife venues that used to be thriving here in Sitges.

I was referring to such venues as the original Pacha that sits empty on the edge of Valpineda. Along with, the then empty and run down Sweet Pacha in Port de Sitges, Aiguadolç. Also, the near derelict and half demolished L’Atlantida that was once a thriving hub of electronic music.

Just a month later, in May 2024, Editor Magí Fortuny I Poch wrote, “The old Pacha del Port could reopen this year. The chosen model is a hybrid between premium cocktail bars and gourmet gastronomy, which would encompass the spaces of Sweet Pacha and the La Bocana restaurant. Of course, without losing the license to operate as a nightclub.”

I was certain that the outcome would be a gourmet restaurant. His article also revealed that there would still be an option to have some night club parties during specific major events such as, “Festa Major, Carnival, Sant Joan or New Year’s Eve, to name a few examples, as well as for private events that could only be accessed by invitation.”

On Saturday 8 February, I had the pleasure of attending a private night in the club area of the old Sweet Pacha venue. A private event called Zoë by Primes Media and Sitges based Shambala.  The event was in keeping with the original focus of the Pacha brand. The new owner ‘Fredy de la Calle’ being associated with Amnesia in Ibiza, opened the new venue at the end of 2024, which is now called UNIQ.

This kind of night had seemingly been wiped out of the Cultural landscape of Sitges in recent years. With clamp downs on sound levels and restrictions on late night venues being increased. The venue is shiny and new with optimum Funktion One Sound, neon lit bars, plenty of space to dance and an outdoor terrace. It’s a joy to see the venue refurbished and literally saved from dereliction. They clearly have a vision of quality and we are excited to see what else the place will offer.

This particular night was well received. With great music from DJs Cesar de Melero, Ion Pananides, Dadame and Toby Ezby, supported by a crowd who had most certainly come to dance! Although the main focus of the new venue appears to be on food, cocktails and corporate events, I would press that there is definitely a demand from people living here, keen for more events of this type. It was a discerning crowd. Professional people, respectful, music lovers who like to dance in a safe space.

The second night, held on March 22nd, saw Danny Mekanik open the night on the terrace, with music then moving inside the club from Barcleona based Dadame, Alex McCoy and Shambala’s collaborator from Sitges, Toby Ezby.

Toby and Danny played a few parties together last year for Shambala, on the beach at Habana Blue in Vilanova and at the Almanita Festival, where a growing crowd of music and dance lovers got to let their hair down in true house music style. Toby also played at Danny’s own brand party @Wonkbcn in a private farm outside of Barcelona.

This year though, in the town of Sitges, we can see a definite re-emergence of quality house music nights. Another intimate, beautiful, central Sitges design bar called The Dutchess, hosted a Valentines party, with Danny Mekanik and Nandisssimo at the helm. Danny is a UK pioneer of House, DJ and Producer, founder of International Wonk Parties, resident in Sitges. Nandisssimo, another Sitges based artist with a passion for the music. The pair also played on the Carnival weekend and are set to return on Friday 18th April for Semana Santa.

With more quality house music appearing in Sitges, something that has clearly been missing is coming back to the area. With signs of a new project also on the horizon at L’Atlantida, slowly but surely it feels like a reawakening of a Culture that has been somewhat dormant. Like a plant through the cracks in concrete, House Music is an unstoppable force loved by many that will always find a way. Now to see what the iconic venues will deliver, who will be playing in them and how they will be supported.

Author: NewLisaLife
Published: 2nd April 2025