Written by Rebecca Hollman
Photos by Pasco Photography
Day Zero has been synonymous with new beginnings since its storied inception in Mexico’s Mayan jungles in 2012. Ten years after its conception to mark the end of the world, Day Zero returns as people crave it’s magical and mystical qualities more than ever. After deliberating with the local Mayan community and Day Zero’s spiritual advisors, the event has decided to move into its tenth year by claiming the symbolic date of January 10th.
Day Zero aims to connect the ancient and contemporary, bringing together shared spaces and powerful events. The festival has two locations across the globe – the Masada desert in Israel and the jungle of Tulum in Mexico. Day Zero aims to immerse attendees in visual and auditory overload from sunrise to sunset. The unique locations and world class musical performances (including from the festival’s founder Damian Lazarus) make Day Zero one of a kind.
Day Zero’s Mainstage remains the beating heart of its journey, a naturally formed amphitheater outfitted with wonder and surprises. The traditional opening ceremony will again be performed by Sidartha Siliceo to set the stage for mind bending performances from the likes of Seth Troxler, Nina Kraviz, Carl Craig, DJ Holographic, Audiofly, DJ Tennis, Robelledo, Pachanga Boy, The Martinez Brothers, Michael Bibi, and the unstoppable duo Bedouin. Crosstown alums Francesca Lombardo, Dennis Cruz and Tibi Dabo will also make their return, followed of course by sunrise sorcery from Damian Lazarus himself and the Day Zero debut of Wizardry (Damian Lazarus, DJ Three and DJ Tennis).
El Teatro stage will continue to offer a forested cosmic landing for some of Mexico’s most cutting-edge live acts and DJs. Taking center stage will be the pioneering and Grammy winning Tijuana duo Nortec, and their extended family Bostich and Fusible. The Nortec Collective is renowned for their blend of electronica, tambora and norteño, expect something magical from a crew that is accustomed to performing in the Royal Albert Hall and Hollywood Bowl. A new generation of live Mexican acts will include modular wizard AAAA, experimental downtempo producer Isaac Soto, Crosstown Rebels associates Metrika & Balkazar and the dubby Krema label affiliated Buena Tarde. .
While much of the world has been in hibernation, Lazarus and his creative crew have used the time to refine and reimagine. Day Zero returns refreshed. Those in the know will tell you it remains the unexpected moments and deep roots in the ancient and magical that makes it one of the world’s best festivals.