It never is fun to write these types of articles, but they need to be done. Remember the tragic events where 6 people were murdered at a nightclub during The BPM Festival’s last night? Due to that tragedy, the BPM Festival are doing what they believe is proper and postponing the inaugural festival of The BPM Festival: Brazil. Personally, this seems right despite their planned expansion in Latin America. It is difficult to really do these festivals in such countries due to the corruption and high gang activity. We always want for the best, but safety comes as the main priority. The folks at The BPM Festival wrote a nice message regarding the horrific events along with the news of the postponement. The BPM Festival: Portugal is still going on which is a bright light in a dark time. Anyway, feel free to read the message below!
Dear BPM Family & Friends,
Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with the families and friends of those victimized by the horrific events of January 16, the final night of our 10-day music festival in Playa del Carmen. Our hearts are broken by the loss of six wonderful lives that were cruelly cut short. We will not forget them as we struggle to come to grips that such a tragedy could have occurred at an event that is the very embodiment of positivity and shared love of music in the global dance community.
As days go by, we will draw inspiration from Kirk and Geovanni’s heroic and selfless acts. We will also continue to grieve the deaths and pray for the families of the four victims who were with us as guests.
-Kirk Wilson (Canada) Security detail
-Geovanni Francisco Ruiz Murillo (Mexico) Security detail
-Rafael Penaloza Vega (Mexico)
-Alejandra Villanueva (USA)
-Daniel Pessina (Italy)
-Giovanni Arturo Amparan Saragossa (Mexico)The dance floor is where people come together to share joy, be with friends, create memories, and celebrate life. While our festival and dance community have experienced a tragedy, we’d also like to remember the magical moments, new friendships, and beautiful landscape of Mexico that we’ve all shared over the last 10 years.
We appreciate all the support from fans all over the world. We look forward to celebrating with you once again in the near future. For now, we will be postponing our plans for The BPM Festival: Brazil until further notice but we do hope you will join us at The BPM Festival: Portugal (September 2017) later this year.
Our love goes out to all of our extended BPM Family fans, artists, staff, industry, volunteers, the local community and especially to all the victims’ families. As members of the global dance music community, let us stay strong in the knowledge that we stand together against all kinds of violence and will continue to spread love through our music.
WE WILL NOT FORGET.
Peace, Love & Respect,
The BPM Festival