Luis Félix Loaz and Julia Catalán are the brains behind the eagerly awaited Wakana Reunion. A unique event with a completely eclectic line up where festival-goers can enjoy flamenco, blues, jazz, classical music, instrumental and electronic sounds in a dream-like location.
LooOut Pro had the opportunity to interview its promoters and ask them a few questions about this incredible event taking place on May 17, 18 and 19 in the beautiful natural surroundings that is Los Alcornocales Natural Park.
How did the idea for Wakana Reunion come about?
Wakana Reunion is the result of hard work, effort and a lot of love. We were tired of the many macro festivals out there, and we realised that they lacked meaning, originality and values. We were searching for something more, a more intimate and distinctive experience in a natural space based on strong values and philosophy. We began thinking about the concept, working hard and before we realised it, Wakana Reunion was born.
Now with its second edition, Wakana Reunion has become a successful boutique festival. What’s your secret?
Well, success is a very relative concept. It’s true that the first edition was a success and this second edition is already exceeding expectations. Even so, there’s still a long way to go. We want to progress little by little. We’re aware of where we are and all that we still have to achieve. I hope I can answer this question in a few years and possibly relate this “success” to the huge effort and love that lies in all the small pieces that make up Wakana Reunion.
How would you define the crowd at Wakana Reunion?
The people that come to Wakana Reunion are not the typical festival crowd. We could actually call them, family! This is without a doubt the most essential part of Wakana Reunion: a crowd that understands, respects and contributes to the values and philosophy of an event full of love, to nature, music, art and all the souls that are part of our reunion. This is the true sense of friendship, sharing love with others. They’re people who come to disconnect from everything and at the same time connect with everything Wakana Reunion has to offer.
Why did you decide on only 1000 tickets?
It simply wouldn’t be Wakana Reunion if we sold more tickets. Very often people think that by coming to a festival with 50,000 people they’re going to meet a lot of new people, have a better time, and share more experience with new friends, but we actually think it’s the opposite. We all tend to individualise things when surrounded by so many people. We offer a completely different experience at Wakana Reunion, we want the people who join us at Wakana Reunion to interact with each other, enjoy the experience together and swop phone numbers, so they come back next year to meet each other. This would be impossible if we increased the number of tickets.
Why this location?
Because it’s magical, I’ve never come across a more magical location with so much mysticism, history and energy. You can find more than 25 Neolithic dolmens, painted caves (Tajos de las Figuras) with the best representation of rock art in Europe, Phonecian remains and even Tartesos! Historian Alberto Porlan believes that the Tartessian mythical lost city of Atlantis was located here. This is a place with a true source of energy, an energy that’s visible even to the most sceptical.
What are the highlights for you on this year’s line up?
This is one of the most difficult questions to answer as we’ve spent a lot of time choosing the line up and I think it’s pretty balanced. Wakana Reunion is a unique event with a completely eclectic line up where festival-goers can enjoy flamenco, blues, jazz, classical music, instrumental and electronic sounds in a dream-like location. The electronica we put on is more downtempo, more international and is gradually becoming more popular in Spain. Highlights include Acid Pauli’s three-hour set, Alice Phoebe Lou’s first live show in Spain (who will play the following week on the main stage at Primavera Sound), the classical lunchtime show from one of leading contemporary composers, Josue Bonnín de Góngora, the incredible sunrise set from the German Josué Bonnín de Góngora and Jo.Ke’s acoustic set at our new Palapa (Live) Stage.
What does Wakana Reunion offer those attending?
We always say there’s a Wakana Reunion for everyone. If you want to connect with nature, you can venture off for a stroll around or grab a kayak and sail around the lake. And if you’re coming to dance, we’ve got music 24-hours a day. If you’re coming to reconnect with your inner self, we have everything from reconnective healing to yoga classes, ceremonies and rituals. Our motto is to offer well-being in the broadest sense of the world, so anything goes!
