Techno Parade: Our Experience Dancing Through the Streets of Paris
Paris, September 23, 2023. In a thunderous cascade of beats, tens of thousands of electronic music fans gathered in Paris this Saturday to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Techno Parade, initiated in 1998.
The festivities kicked off at 3:30 PM, following an open-air “dancefloor” that transformed Bastille Square into an open-air nightclub, pulsating to the rhythms of various techno genres. The parade was set to make its way to Nation by 7:00 PM.
On September 19, 1998, the day of the first Techno Parade in Paris, 200,000 people gathered, at a time when electronic music was stigmatized. The Techno Parade owes its existence to former Minister of Culture Jack Lang, who convinced his colleagues at the time, Interior Minister Jean-Pierre Chevènement, Culture Minister Catherine Trautmann, and Paris Mayor Jean Tibéri.
Two months prior, Jack Lang had attended Berlin’s Love Parade, which served as inspiration for the Techno Parade, alongside Henri Maurel, president of Radio FG, an iconic figure and promoter of techno in France.
Fast forward to 2023, and the Techno Parade is still going strong, celebrating its 25th anniversary. The event has grown exponentially, with over 250,000 attendees last year, showcasing the ever-increasing popularity of electronic music.
This year’s celebration paints a vibrant picture of the festivities. The streets of Paris became a sea of dancers, guided by the rhythms emanating from 16 floats equipped with impressive sound systems. The party began with an open-air “dancefloor” at Bastille Square, where attendees grooved to a diverse range of techno beats before the parade embarked on its journey toward Nation.
The Techno Parade has not only evolved in scale but also in its mission. Initially aimed at challenging stereotypes about electronic music, it has succeeded in fostering a joyful and peaceful community. Today, it stands as a testament to the power of music in bringing people together, regardless of their backgrounds.
Tommy Vaudecrane, president of Technopol, the organization responsible for the event since its inception, expressed his delight at the 25th-anniversary celebration. He emphasized how the doubts and concerns surrounding electronic music have faded over the years, with the genre now fully recognized by professionals and enthusiasts alike.
As we dance our way through the streets of Paris, we are reminded that the Techno Parade is more than just an event; it’s a movement. It symbolizes the evolution of a genre that was once misunderstood, and the acceptance it has gained over the years. With each passing year, the parade continues to break down barriers, proving that the power of music can unite generations and create a world where we dance to the same beat.
So, if you’re ever in Paris on a September day, consider joining the Techno Parade, where you’ll find a joyful and peaceful community ready to share their love for electronic music. It’s an experience that transcends language barriers and cultural differences, inviting everyone to become part of a dance that has been celebrating life and music for a quarter of a century.