Atrévete Bachata Festival 2019 (1st Edition)

review for party and lcation

+ good DJs, great shows, nice dancers

- location: only one floor, sports hall was "no drink zone", missing information about shedule, waiting at restrooms

I had the feeling that the organizers didn't see any other festivals before. There was so many little issues which could have been easily avoided if they've been attended at least one of the other festivals.

- Location: it was an outskirt location, and there was barely any accomodation in the close proximity. And the only hotel nearby was fully booked months before the festival has started

- Venue: I say it was OK, but all the other festivals I was attended before had this fancy venue, not a sports hall. Which is a pity, considering the price was the same

- Bar: the bar was outside of the dance hall, and you couldn't bring in your drink?! I've never seen something like this before. Also, in the bar there was not even bachata/salsa music played, just some regular music, which is really disappointing

- Wardrobe: this was one of the most WTF experience: you had to queue to buy a ticket for the wardrobe, THEN you had to queue in another line to put your clothes in the wardrobe. There was no changing room for the ladies. You had to pay for the wardrobe even during the workshops, which could easily ended up you missed the beginning of classes! At the end, I've spent 7 Euros just for the wardrobe

- I love merch, and the organizers had these cool T-shirts, but it wasn't for sale. I've had love to spend my money on stuff like this instead of the wardrobe

- Lack of proper communication: for a long time, I didn't know where the "small" room could be found. Neither others knew, who I've asked. We had to literally search for it, as there was no indication

- Saturday night show: this was terrible. The organizers really thought that people will watch a 1.5 hour long show standing?? There was no chairs. Also, you could barely see anything in the back rows because of standing people in front of the small stage. It was just terrible, really (not the performers, of course, they were great - at least what I've seen of them)

- 1 hour long lunch break. Really? If you didn't have your lunch at the venue at the bar, there was no chance you get back to the first class in the afternoon

So, the casting was perfect, there was so many great teachers, the people were lovely, but the organization itself was really amateur. Like, Ronald&Alba - the main couple of Atrevete 2020 - is not a good enough reason for me to go there next year.

The festival was fabulous with great workshops. Got to know fantastic artists and just people devoted to bachata with all their heart. The only drawback I'd mention was the lack of space for such a crowd of people that made it hard to the see the artists but the overall impression is great! thank you so much! I'll do my best to participate again in this kind of events.

very nice festival. A little far away from center though