Sunwaves 33 brought its renowned minimalism to the Mediterranean for a stunning debut in Spain.
Sunwaves Festival has established itself as a premier event for enthusiasts of minimal and rominimal house music, and its transition from Romania’s Black Sea to Spain’s Mediterranean coast showcased its universal appeal. Taking place from September 12–16, this 33rd iteration took over Las Salinas Beach in Roquetas de Mar, maintaining the same stripped-down experience that has become a hallmark of the festival. Though this edition featured only three stages instead of the typical four, Sunwaves 33 successfully captured that distinctive underground vibe right on the beach.
Earlier in the year, Sunwaves 32 captivated attendees on the shores of Constanța in Romania, where the festival has predominantly been held. While it has previously ventured to locations like Dubai, this latest Spanish chapter marks an exciting development for the festival along the Mediterranean coastline.
Even with the new location, the Sunwaves team excelled at preserving its signature festival atmosphere.
Roquetas de Mar, much like Constanța, is a secluded yet easily accessible beach destination. The nearby city of Almería provided additional conveniences, enhancing the overall experience. Despite the geographical shift, Sunwaves remained resolute in its commitment to minimalist production, excellent music, and reasonable food and drink options.
The festival layout featured three tents strategically positioned along Las Salinas Beach, with Tent 3 serving as the hub for minimal and rominimal sounds from Thursday through Monday. The slightly smaller scale of Sunwaves 33 did not compromise its immersive vibe. Inside the tents, colorful drapes adorned the ceilings, and minimal artwork embellished the DJ booths, creating a familiar ambiance for returning attendees. Sunwaves 33 demonstrated that while the backdrop may have changed, the core experience stayed intact.
One of the festival’s most notable features is its passionate audience.
For attendees in both Romania and Spain, the primary draw is undoubtedly the music. Sunwaves 33 was no exception, as the crowd exuded fantastic energy, with ample space to dance near the stages and backstage. Participants were focused on immersing themselves in hours of house, minimal, and tech house rather than seeking social media moments.
The intimate atmosphere was preserved from previous editions, with an unspoken understanding among festival-goers that the central purpose was appreciating the music. The more compact layout only enhanced the overall experience, keeping the vibe consistent with what long-time fans anticipate from Sunwaves.
Despite the relocation, Sunwaves 33 maintained the top-quality sound system that has become synonymous with the festival in Romania.
The Funktion-One sound system delivered flawless audio across all tents, highlighting an impeccable listening experience. Some speakers even still displayed stickers from former editions in Romania, cementing the continuity of the festival amidst the new location.
The production ethos was minimalist yet effective. Sunwaves has never prioritized extravagant visuals or excessive effects, and this year’s festival stayed true to that identity. The focus remained firmly on the music, as simple yet captivating projection-mapped art and colored lighting created an immersive environment that directed all attention to the DJs.
Tent 3 was the go-to destination for fans of minimal and rominimal music, featuring non-stop performances from top artists.
As always, the lineup at Sunwaves 33 included both emerging talents and established acts from the minimal and rominimal genres.
While Tents 1 and 2 boasted some of the bigger names in their lineups, the real magic unfolded in Tent 3. Artists such as SIT, Sepp b2b Nu Zau, Dewalta, and Arapu exemplified the rich talent within the minimal scene, delivering nearly 100 hours of vinyl and digital music that felt both nostalgic and innovative.
A highlight of the festival came on the closing day, when the Take Notes crew lit up Tent 2 with exhilarating sets from Edi P b2b Kov, Brad Brunner b2b AG Swifty, and others. Mahony, an artist I’ve been following closely, impressed with his distinctive sound. Additionally, Archie Hamilton, renowned for his high-energy house sets, delivered a particularly memorable performance the day prior.
Sunwaves 33 demonstrated that the essence of an unforgettable festival experience transcends location.
The organizers succeeded in preserving the fundamental elements that define Sunwaves: a devoted audience, minimalist aesthetics, and a commitment to showcasing premier musical talent. Even with one fewer stage and a new environment, Sunwaves 33 encapsulated the spirit that attracts underground house music fans from around the globe.
If you haven’t experienced Sunwaves yet, now is the ideal time to add this festival to your bucket list. Whether in Romania or Spain, Sunwaves delivers an unparalleled blend of phenomenal music, outstanding sound quality, and an atmosphere that feels like a genuine retreat from everyday life. Sunwaves 33 was a remarkable success, leaving me eager to see how the festival evolves in the future.
