Floating Festival: The First of Its Kind. Credit: Werner Wilmes / Creative Commons
If you thought pirate attacks only involved clashing swords and booming cannon fire, think again. On November 13, the waters off Cape Sant Antoni in Javea played host to a very different kind of boarding – one with pounding techno and flashing lights. Expat sailors and locals alike were left wide-eyed as a decidedly unusual pirate ship approached, not with shouts of “ahoy!” but with the thunderous beat of a full-on rave.
By November, the bustling summer boat traffic has calmed, leaving the sea deceptively serene – perfect for a bit of musical mischief. And mischief it was. This pirate vessel, complete with the classic swashbuckling silhouette, seemed less interested in treasure and more in turning the marina into a floating dance floor. The few crew members on board looked more like DJs than marauders, likely testing their “pirate rave” before a proper party.
Floating Festival: The First of Its Kind
For expats in the Marina Alta, raves are usually hidden gems: underground tunnels in Benissa or the terraced hillsides of inland towns. But seeing one on a boat? That’s a first. Imagine techno thumping, LED lights flashing over the waves, and the salty sea breeze mixing with the scent of freedom and festival – a surreal twist on both maritime tradition and nightlife.
It’s not hard to see the link between pirate life and raves. Both embrace a sense of liberty, chaos, and rule-breaking. “Doblones! Doblones! Doblones!” – the rallying cry of Captain Flint in Treasure Island – could almost serve as a repetitive, hypnotic chant for an electronic beat. Life at sea or on land, if there’s music, people will dance.
Unexpected Treasure: Fun Over Gold
This impromptu maritime rave may not have offered hidden treasure, but it delivered something rarer: pure, unexpected fun. For expats used to the quiet charm of Javea in autumn, it was a reminder that the Costa Blanca still has surprises up its sleeve. Keep an eye out on your next sea stroll – you might just find a pirate DJ spinning the decks while the waves crash.