Spanish mayor praises organisers of 1,000-strong illegal rave that raged on for three days

The mayor of Spanish town La Sénia has praised organisers of a near 1,000-strong illegal rave that raged on for three days over the New Year period.

The unlicensed event reportedly kicked off at an abandoned warehouse on New Year’s Eve (December 31), and continued for days before being shut down by police on January 3.

As the event was still ongoing on January 2, Catalan News reported that La Sénia’s mayor, Victòria Almuni, praised the “well chosen” location – a remote industrial estate in the Catalonian town, which sits between Barcelona and Valencia.

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Speaking to the publication, she explained: “It's away from the town, but also before reaching the town,” but added that she hoped it would not continue "for many days” and that “no disturbances would occur”.

Neighbouring warehouse owners also said they felt “relieved” after visiting the site, reporting the “civic behaviour” of attendees, Catalan News reports.

According to reports, over 250 police officers were deployed to the scene in riot gear to shut down the event, with drones and helicopters also in operation. Almost 100 complaints of the event were filed by locals.

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Catalan News reported on Tuesday, January 6, that police identified 603 people and 207 vehicles involved in the event, with 45 positive drug tests carried out, and 27 reports of drug possession.

Organisers were reported to have hidden sound equipment in a fake base of a truck, along with wiring, a refrigerator to store bar drinks, unlabelled drinks, and a cash register.

The event was eventually shut down by police at 3:PM on Saturday, January 3, though it was expected to run throughout the weekend.

[Via Catalan News]

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter