In the beautiful Portalegre region of Portugal, ZNA Gathering 2024 offered a biennial celebration of psychedelic sounds and timeless trance music.
This unique festival drew 5000 trance fanatics from around the globe, promising a journey back in time through the classics of retro and goa trance.
Arriving on a sunny Sunday afternoon, the entrance to ZNA Gathering was as smooth as the beats that would soon fill the air. The festival’s organization was evident from the start, with friendly staff guiding attendees through a quick and efficient check-in process. A welcoming atmosphere is the best way to start a festival – bad gate staff create bad vibes.
The festival venue was nothing short of breathtaking. A serene lake shimmered nearby, offering a peaceful retreat from the heat where you could swim.
The main dancefloor, crafted with retro-futuristic decor, stood as a vibrant centerpiece adorned with shade-providing trees that offered respite from the midsummer sun.
As the day turned into night, the dancefloor became a kaleidoscope of lights and sound, fueled by the powerful Lambda Labs sound system that delivered crystal-clear audio. It was arguably some of the best festival sound I have heard in recent times.
At the heart of ZNA Gathering was its stellar lineup, featuring some of the most revered names in the psytrance and goa scenes.
Artists like Doof, Etnica, Astral Projection, Man With No Name, Filteria, Emok, and Little Blue Man graced the stage, each bringing their unique blend of hypnotic beats and transcendent melodies.
For fans who had followed these pioneers since the early days of trance music, their performances were not just a nostalgic journey but a testament to the enduring power of their sound.
In terms of the food available, there was a decent selection. From hearty meals to vegan and vegetarian options, providing much-needed sustenance at reasonable prices ranging from 6 to 10 euros per dish.
Throughout the day and night, attendees could refuel with refreshing beverages. The festival’s commitment to sustainability was evident in its eco-friendly initiatives, including efforts to minimize plastic waste with reusable cups. Free drinking water was available and certain points, however it was a bit brown and smelt like chlorine.
While commendable, some areas like shower and toilet cleanliness presented challenges, with noticeable degradation as the event progressed—a common issue in large-scale outdoor gatherings that organizers continue to address. By the last day, the showers and toilets were swarmed with flies and rubbish.
Technological advancements played a crucial role in enhancing the festival experience, with cashless RFID systems simplifying transactions and minimizing wait times at vendor stalls. However, the mandatory purchase of a reusable cup for beverages, while environmentally friendly, added a layer of complexity to the purchasing process.
With attendance capped at 5000 people, ZNA Gathering fostered a sense of intimacy and camaraderie among attendees from around the globe. The festival’s appeal transcended generational boundaries, drawing a diverse crowd united by a shared passion for trance music and a spirit of exploration.
Notably, a significant contingent of Israeli attendees contributed to the festival’s vibrant energy, reflecting their country’s deep-rooted connection to the psytrance scene. The remaining crowd were made up of visitors primarily from around Europe.
For those seeking comfort and convenience, the festival offered a tipi camp with round-the-clock staff and well-lit pathways for safe navigation after dark. The accommodations provided a welcome retreat amidst the festivities, ensuring that attendees could recharge throughout the event.
In addition to its stellar musical lineup, ZNA Gathering enriched the festival experience with a series of thought-provoking workshops that ran during the day. These sessions covered a range of topics, from sustainability and mindfulness to the evolution of trance music culture, providing attendees with opportunities for intellectual exploration and personal growth.
As the sun set on ZNA Gathering 2024, attendees departed with memories of yet another stellar edition of ZNA Gathering. Despite its organizational challenges and areas for improvement, the festival’s unique charm and dedication to its psychedelic roots continue to resonate with trance enthusiasts worldwide.
In conclusion, ZNA Gathering 2024 stands as a testament to the enduring allure of retro and goa trance, offering a sanctuary where music, culture, and camaraderie converge in harmony. For anyone captivated by the transformative power of retro and goa trance music, this biennial pilgrimage remains an essential journey worth undertaking.
Photo credit: ommmedia
