We all do crazy things, and travel to crazy places, for festivals. The most recent that I have heard of is traveling to the Dominican Republic for a festival called Groovefest. Groovefest, a weeklong festival that was slated to start Sunday, September 4th. The company also announced they will be going into liquidation, which means no refunds will be given.
This has got to be the worst scenario for anyone who bought tickets for such a festival. It is like the company was just planning on stealing from all patrons; granted that wasn’t happening but still. They advise everyone to travel to Punta Cana, which is the eastern-most part of the island. They stated that, “We have been unable to hit our ticket sales targets despite all our efforts.” The positive of Punta Cana is that it is highly trafficked by tourists and would be able to assist all people flying in.
As far as their liquidation, the announcement stated the following; “The company has now effectively ceased trading and we have formally instructed insolvency practitioners, SFP to assist us with the formalities of placing the company into liquidation.”
OPINION
FIRST: DO NOT BE SOMEONE WHO WRITES ANGRY COMMENTS ON THEIR SOCIAL MEDIA. They were not able to sell enough tickets to turn a profit or pay for everything, so they had to cancel. This kind of stuff happens, and being mad at festivals or companies does not make it any better. It does not correct the problem nor does it make it better for the future. Come on guys: PEACE LOVE UNITY RESPECT. Be more “PLUR”
Now, I’ve been to the Dominican Republic for the family of someone I love and I have traveled to other parts of the country for festivals. Let me tell you, it is amazing to have the ability to do either with those that you love. I cannot wait for the next chance to visit the D.R. I was able to stay in an actual family’s house and they overloaded me with stuff that are “staples” in the Dominican life.
If you have a hotel or anything along those lines around Punta Cana, I would suggest taking the chance to visit the D.R. I know you wont have as much fun as a music festival, but it is still a bomb opportunity. However, I would suggest staying in your resorts, as many non-Latinx get robbed because they are gullible (SORRY NOT MY WORDS, WORDS OF A NATIVE OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC).
If you are a native of the Dominican Republic and live near Punta Cana, take PLURR into real life and give those who paid to visit an opportunity to live in the moment. The Dominican Republic is a beautiful, tropical, warm area. Take them to a beach to try some El Presidente or Brugal, order some Yaniqueque for them or get them some fried platanos. Show them how amazing the country is.
This is a tough situation for everyone involved, but that does not mean that you need to forget the EDM culture that we have all gathered because of a failed festival. This is an opportunity to further the EDM culture by going beyond festival sand building a community.