VELVET IBIZA EUROPE’S ULTIMATE 5-DAY PARTY FOR QUEER WOMEN

BY MICHEL KHORDOC

inception year by (surprisingly) being the first ever queer women event held in the small Balearic Island famously known for its LGBTQfriendly culture, its vibrant nightlife scene and celebrity sighting. From the pool parties, sports tournaments, yoga classes, club nights and now the infamous duck race to the top queer female DJs from Europe and America dropping the sickest beats Velvet Ibiza has it all!

We’re beyond thrilled to have had the chance to chat with Carine de Mesmaeker to find out more about Velvet Ibiza and what’s in store for 2023.

For those who are not familiar with Velvet Ibiza can describe the event in a few words?

Velvet Ibiza is an all-inclusive, five-day, five-night event at a resort, with tons of activities including pool parties, sports tournaments, and of course, plenty of dance parties with top dj’s. The ideal venture to meet hundreds of queer women from all over the world with only 1 goal: having a great time!

What inspired you to create such an event? And why Ibiza as the location?

There is a big need for queer women to come together in a safe and friendly environment. I wanted to create that place where queer women can come together to celebrate, meet each other, party, without stress of any boundaries…. ‘Be who you are’ is the key purpose. In Europe we don”t have that many events for queer women so I wanted to fill that gap. Velvet Ibiza is about inclusivity for the amazing diversity of women around the world.

Why on Ibiza?

Ibiza reflects the true spirit of being able to be yourself. The island was discovered and invaded in the 70’s by the so called ‘hippies’ who wanted to live freely. Its the period of Flower Power, Make love, no War.

The Club Punta Arabi, the location of the oldest hippie market, has been since 7 years the home base of Velvet Ibiza, Nowhere else on the island is the spirit and essence of Ibiza more alive than at Punta Arabi (now called Hotel Cala Martina)

You’re nearing 10 years producing this event - did you have any idea it would become such a staple in the world of Queer Women events?

My focus was to produce an event where all kinds of women could be united to have a great time. I was amazed to see how fast queer women from all over the world booked their trip. This only reaffirms the need for queer woman gatherings – creating a safe space to all come together.

What is it about Velvet Ibiza that makes it a MUST ATTEND event for Queer Women?

The amazing mix of women, from all over the world, all ages, all cultures. I’ve never seen such a good vibe and … the themed parties! On the schedule this year we have: Jungle Party, Message Party, Studio 69 (disco) Party. The perfect location of the hotel, next to the beach, and with an amazing sea view. What else can you ask for?

Can you tell us what’s on tap for this year? What can attendees expect this year?

We focus this year even more on extra activities for solo travelers like a message party, speed dating, etc…

There will be an even wider range of different music going from house, hip hop to sixties and we’ll throw a real Disco Fever party and some sets with 60’s and 80’s music.

What do you most look forward to this year? Any new surprisets?

I always look forward to meet the amazing queer women who attend. The first day is always so heart warming, many of them have become like family.