Pacha: Celebrating 50 years of Iconic Nightlife in Ibiza
As Pacha celebrates its 50th birthday, we take a look at the superclub’s remarkable history.
19 June 2023
“Imagine turning up to a discotheque in Ibiza in 1984, 19 years old. You arrive at the main door, and it’s all full of sand. There is a boat. The dancefloor is filled with little plastic swimming pools of water. The staff are dressed in beach clothes, with towels and sunglasses. My mind was blown.” Francisco Ferrer, Pacha’s long-standing and loveable Brand Director, recalls his earliest memory of the Ibizan superclub. This experience would shape the future of his life. Just a year later, he would join Pacha, dedicating the next 38 years to hosting the planet’s partying elite and ensuring its status as one of the world’s most iconic discotheques.
The Evolution of Pacha
Today, we meet Francisco inside an empty Pacha on the day the club will reopen for its 50th season. Like the rest of the “Pacha family,” Francisco is nervously preparing for a sold-out opening night. The venue feels smaller than its 3000 capacity in daylight; its farmhouse aesthetic is unassuming. However, fast forward 12 hours, and the place transforms into a vibrant superclub, featuring world-renowned DJ Solumon on the decks all night long. From the VIP area embracing the dancefloor, where Pacha-themed magnums of Cristal are ceremoniously popped, to enthusiastic partygoers eagerly dancing, it’s clear that Pacha is the hottest ticket in town.
Origins of Pacha
How does a club founded in the 1970s on the principles of freedom and family thrive for five decades? Opened in 1973 by entrepreneur Ricardo Urgell, Pacha emerged during a time when Ibiza was transforming into a counter-cultural hotspot, welcoming Vietnam draft dodgers and Spaniards escaping General Franco’s oppressive regime. The opening night of Pacha hosted just 300 guests—mostly friends of Urgell—who danced to a blend of funk, reggae, and disco.
Continuing Legacy
Today, while Pacha’s original FlowerPower night still runs, the club has evolved, embracing Chicago House in the 1980s, 1990s rave culture, and the era of the Superstar DJ. Nevertheless, one constant remains: Pacha’s elite status and international allure for exclusive partygoers.
Experiences at Pacha
DJ Pete Tong, who began his Pure Pacha residency in 2003, remarks, “What’s always made Pacha so special was the real club-heads on the dancefloor and the glamour of the VIP.” He adds that the VIP area’s proximity to the dancefloor creates a unique ambiance. “In the early 2000s, a new kind of VIP client emerged—table people wanting quality music.”
Celebrity Connections and Culture
Ferrer knows what mingling with the upper echelons of society is like. His network includes A-list celebrities. He fondly shares stories of legendary figures like Grace Jones and Freddie Mercury enjoying the nightclub’s charisma. “There was a time Mick Jagger danced alone on the dancefloor. He expressed joy in anonymity, saying he felt free to dance and be himself,” Ferrer recalls, illustrating Pacha’s enchanting environment.
Expansion and Future Plans
Pacha’s expansion plans mirror its rich history. The brand now extends beyond the original farmhouse. Pacha has branched into restaurants, hotels, apparel, and cabaret, further enhancing its distinct allure. Plans are underway to open a new club, Pachacha, in Formentera, promising an authentic experience rooted in the Balearic culture.
Resiliency and Relevance
The determination to grow amidst challenges, such as the pandemic, is emblematic of Pacha’s legacy. Their post-Covid season saw impressive sales growth. CEO Sanjay Nandi emphasizes the importance of remaining relevant, adapting to technological changes, and understanding new trends while honoring their foundational values. “Everyone has a Pacha story,” he states confidently, pointing to the enduring connection people feel towards the brand.
A New Chapter
DJ duo Camelphat will take on the iconic residency this summer, expressing excitement about returning to the Ibiza nightclub scene. Furthermore, Ferrer acknowledges, “Some elements may change, yet the essence of Pacha—its joyous energy—remains unchanged.” It’s this spirit, more than anything, that continues to define the heartbeat of Pacha.
