On Top of One-another
One of the things that is most unique about living in a European city, as opposed to an American one, is the sense of proximity. We literally live on top of our grocery store (a decent sized market with nearly everything we ever need). We live within a block of: multiple office supply stores, bars, restaurants, a barber, clothing stores, an accessories store, two pharmacies, a mobile phone store, a hardware store, a few stores specializing in newspapers and magazines, a sweets store, a store specializing in fresh fruits and vegetables, a store specializing in fish and meat, an elementry school, a high school, and a university - and these are just the things I can think of off the top of my head.
It’s no wonder when I lived in Amsterdam in 1996 I had such a hard time convincing my friends that in the U.S. a car is not a luxury but a necessity. Most city dwelling Europeans have no context for this concept (especially in a place as small as the Netherlands but that’s another subject).
So when I came across a new concept out of Malaga Spain called “La Fiesta Silenciosa” (The Silent Party) all I could think was: only in Europe. While I generally revel in the proximity afforded by living in a European city there are down sides. One example would be those unfortunate enough to live above things other than grocery stores. Things like nightclubs. This is where “La Fiesta Silenciosa” comes in, they offer a new party experience that allows DJs to emit their beats by way of laser-powered wireless headphones. Parties hosted in this way would be essentially silent to neighbors while allowing all those who attend to participate in a shared cultural experience: live music.
It’s not uncommon for live events like this (and the clubs that host them) to struggle with neighbors, sound ordinances, and repeated fines from the police. Time will tell if party goers will be willing to change their habits and walk around with headphones on but there’s no doubt it’s a unique and innovative solution to a real problem in our crowded cities.
The system has already been used in Burgos, Mallorca, Alicante and Barcelona but the first club to implement this new system in Sevilla, Obbio la Sala Club, will open their doors to some 200 party goers tomorrow.