Think Ultra Europe is just another festival? Think again! This year, Split faced total chaos — a storm smashed the stage structure, and parts fell onto parked cars! Yes, you read that right — while thousands were gearing up for the biggest electronic music spectacle of the year, Mother Nature showed her teeth.
The storm that hit Split this morning was so fierce it destroyed part of the stage in Park Mladeži, the venue for the 11th edition of Ultra Europe from July 11 to 13. Luckily, it was short-lived, but the damage to cars is massive. Despite the weather chaos, organizers managed to finish preparations on time, and the festival is kicking off full throttle.
This year, Ultra Europe brings a spectacle with over 88 DJs across multiple stages, including the main stage and the Resistance stage, famous for underground house and techno. World stars like Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren, Afrojack, Tiësto, Hardwell, and many more will perform. The festival expects around 30,000 visitors each night, a huge boost for Split and Croatia.
But it’s not just about music and fun. Organizers have upgraded the food scene with ten different vendors, focusing on local Split cuisine. Drink prices range from 5 to 11 euros, which might seem steep to some, but for the Ultra crowd, it’s part of the package.
Though dubbed the “Olympics of electronic music,” behind the dazzling lights and sound lies a problem — Split has long been synonymous with wild partying but also chaos in the city center. Mayor Tomislav Šuta says public order issues aren’t the festival’s fault, but many locals complain about noise and disorder after the night raves.
To add to the madness, during the Ultra Europe weekend, Split airport sees over 40 private jets landing, showing just how much this festival has become a global magnet for young, wealthy partygoers.
So, as Split braces for the biggest electronic spectacle of the year, the storm and parking lot chaos remind us that even the biggest festival isn’t immune to unpredictable challenges. What do you think — is Ultra Europe too big a bite for this city, or just the price of fame? Drop a comment, maybe you’ve got the wildest festival story or a hilarious parking lot mishap!
Either way, buckle up for a wild ride — Ultra Europe is here, bringing everything you love, plus a little chaos to remember!
