Words by Anano Shalamberidze

Every year the beginning of June marks our favourite time of the year - the PRIMAVERA SOUND weekend in Barcelona. With headliners in the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Rosalía, Primavera gave us a perfect three-day party to kick off our summer. 

It all truly hits you once it’s over.

If you’ve been to festivals before and think you’ve seen it all, think again, because Primavera Sound’s 2023 edition in Barcelona might have just taken things to a whole new level.

Spain’s largest and undoubtedly one of Europe’s most beloved summer festival affairs took place last weekend. With major industry names like Kendrick Lamar, Rosalía, Fred Again, and Halsey announced as headliners last November, the festival was destined for success right from the beginning.

The festivities unfolded at a stunning location 15 minutes from the city center, nestled by the beach, offering picturesque views of the glistening waters. As the sun dipped below the horizon, festival-goers reveled in good company, enjoying a plethora of stages illuminated in the night, taking them on a journey through every music genre. Newcomers made their mark on the Pull & Bear stage, while the CUPRA x Boiler Room venue welcomed guests with electronic beats and the main Estrella Dam and Santander stages showcased performances by some of the biggest artists.

Kendrick Lamar once again proved his supremacy in the performance world with his artful stage setup and unmatched stage presence. New Order, Blur, and Depeche Mode delighted long-time fans and new fans alike with explosive rock shows. DJ and producer Fred Again drew a massive crowd, creating magic with only a keyboard and his vocals, followed by dance music veterans Skrillex and Calvin Harris. Barcelona’s very own Rosalía, of course, stole the show. Captivating the masses who swayed and danced to the infectious rhythms of Spain’s pop princess, Rosalía gave Primavera its biggest crowd of the weekend.

Not only was the sonic experience of the festival exceptional, but Primavera Sound also surprised us with a delightful culinary journey. The food and drinks surpassed all expectations, turning the outdoor festival into a true gastronomic adventure. The synthesis of flavors and the creativity of the dishes were a testament to the meticulous attention to detail put into every aspect of the event.

CUPRA, a pioneering Spanish automotive brand known for its technological innovations and dedication to supporting cultural acts, partnered with Primavera Sound for the second year in a row. Coincidentally, the brand, which has recently become Rosalía’s partner in crime for campaigns, assembled an intriguing lineup of electronic music masters to keep the CUPRA x Boiler Room stage buzzing all night.

Adding another layer of excitement to the festival, CUPRA took attendees on an extraordinary ‘exponential’ experience. Bridging the worlds of racing and gaming, CUPRA presented a recent breakthrough in virtual reality and let participants enjoy a thrilling race through the virtual landscapes of Berlin and Barcelona while driving the CUPRA UrbanRebel concept car. This innovative blend of virtual and physical realms demonstrated the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing new horizons, leaving a lasting impression on all those fortunate enough to have taken part.

From the breathtaking views of the beachside venue to the unforgettable performances, Primavera Sound Barcelona was a resounding success – a celebration of music, culture, and culinary delights. The vibrant gathering exemplified the spirit of Barcelona, where passion, creativity, and a zest for life come together.

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