A massive New Year’s Eve rave known as the Big Fucking Party has drawn attendees from across Europe to the outskirts of Ciudad Real Airport, creating quite the spectacle as thousands gathered to dance away the last hours of 2024.
Staging this electronic music event, which is reportedly unlicensed, organizers shared clues on social media about its location. By 9:30 PM on December 31, 2024, the exact site was revealed, leading to a heavy influx of vehicles including cars, caravans, and trucks bound for the planned festivities. Unfortunately, this surge resulted in traffic jams exacerbated by thick fog, as detailed by the local police on social media platforms.
"At this hour, there are heavy concentrations of vehicles on the Peurtollano highway due to a rave party near the airport. There is fog. We are managing traffic because of the high volume of vehicles and the poor visibility," the Ciudad Real Local Police wrote on their official account.
The Big Fucking Party is not new to the festive scene. This annual rave tradition has seen previous editions hosted elsewhere, including locations like Fuente Álamo and La Peza, both of which also drew large crowds. Last year’s event, for example, lasted six days and attracted over 8,000 revelers.
Erroring on the side of caution, local and national police collaborated to monitor the area around the airport, ensuring the safety of both attendees and local residents. Police presence heightened during the festivities, with officers stationed near the access points to the rave site. David Broceño, the government subdelegate for Ciudad Real, confirmed, "There is no public safety concern, and traffic control measures have been implemented on the access roads to the event’s location." He also noted the historical duration of similar raves, which have often extended over several days.
Despite the weather conditions featuring subzero temperatures and heavy fog, the atmosphere remained harmless and festive as police reported no complaints from nearby residents nor any incidents related to the rave. Participants seemed committed to enjoying themselves, regardless of the environmental conditions.
The rave's attendees are known for their love for electronic music and often gather in rural or abandoned venues, creating vibrant and immersive environments for these prolonged celebrations. This year, estimates suggest about 800 individuals participated as of the morning of January 1, 2025, with some interactions indicating plans for the gathering to last until the Día de Reyes (Epiphany).
Reflecting on past editions of the Big Fucking Party, it’s evident this gathering is embraced by many as part of the New Year’s celebration culture. Factor in the growing presence of social media, and it’s easy to see why these events gain traction—coalescing fun, community, and the spirit of rebellion against conventional celebrations.
So, as the simultaneous beats echo through the chilling air near Ciudad Real Airport, revelers indulge until their hearts' content, seemingly oblivious to the freezing conditions and the careful watch of vigilant authorities ensuring peace across this unconventional New Year’s Eve assembly.