We are looking back a fantastic edition, and a lots of memories. We attended the full weekend of the 30th anniversary and survived the weekend without any break. Read the full review now
Sanne & Berry
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the festival grounds, Mysteryland 2023 concluded its unforgettable 30th-anniversary celebration. Since its inaugural edition in 1993, Mysteryland has evolved from a simple gathering to a transformative experience that unites music, art, and a yearning for liberation. This year’s edition proved to be no exception, drawing in around 140,000 attendees from nearly 100 different nationalities.
A JOURNEY THROUGH ART AND MUSIC
With more than 300 artists gracing the stages of this enchanting festival, Mysteryland 2023 was a sonic and visual masterpiece. Across 22 intricately designed stages, festival-goers were treated to a diverse array of musical genres, from electronic beats that pulsed through the night to melodic tunes that resonated with the soul.
Camping at Mystery Land 2023
When it comes to music festivals, Mysteryland has always been at the forefront of providing an unforgettable experience. Beyond the pulsating beats and dazzling performances, the festival’s camping scene adds a layer of enchantment that keeps festival-goers coming back for more. Let’s dive into the world of Mysteryland camping, where adventure, relaxation, and nostalgia intertwine to create an unforgettable weekend.
The heart of Mysteryland’s camping experience lies in its campsite, featuring five unique stages. These stages provide a diverse array of music, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
After an extensive dance marathon, it’s only natural for your body to be in pain. Thankfully, Mysteryland’s Wellness area offered a remedy. Get rid of all the pain and tension by indulging in a soothing massage. It was the perfect way to rejuvenate your body and prepare for another night of dancing under the stars.
For those looking to escape the festival chaos, Mysteryland’s comfort camping offered a serene oasis. Exclusive swimming pools to splash in and cool down, providing a refreshing break from the dance floors. It’s a small piece of paradise within the festival grounds.
The camping terrace, often dubbed the living room of the campsite, was the perfect place to relax, share stories, make new friends and soak in the vibrant atmosphere that only Mysteryland can offer.
MYSTERY LAND 2023 IS MORE THAN JUST MUSIC
Mysteryland isn’t just about the music; it’s also about staying active. Visitors could enjoy intense workouts, ensuring they stay energized throughout the festival. From yoga sessions at sunrise to group fitness classes, there was an option for every fitness enthusiast.
Mysteryland doesn’t rest. From 11 PM to 3 AM, the campsite transformed into the ultimate Mysteryland experience with an extraordinary afterparty program. Keep the energy flowing and the music pumping until the sun begins to rise.
In conclusion, Mysteryland camping isn’t just about a place to rest your head between sets; it’s a vibrant and diverse world of its own. From relaxation to nostalgia, and from luxury to intense workouts, it offers something for every festival-goer. It’s a place where connections are made, memories are forged, and the magic of Mysteryland truly comes alive. So, if you’re seeking adventure and a unique festival experience, don’t miss out on the mystery that is Mysteryland camping.
LETS CELEBRATE 30 YEARS
On Saturday at 15:30, there was a show to celebrate 30 years of Mysteryland at the pyramid. This show only lasted for 4 minutes but was fantastic with fireworks and colourful smoke!
UNVELING SECRETS AND DISCOVER NEW DIMENSIONS
Mysteryland was more than just a music festival; it was an immersive experience that invited attendees to explore hidden pathways and secret corners. Amidst the vibrant and colourful decor, visitors embarked on a journey of discovery, unlocking the festival’s secrets as they wandered through its enchanting spaces.
There was also a beautiful contrast between the day and night decor. During the day, everything looked so enchanting, and as dusk fell, Mysteryland transformed into a mysteriously illuminated venue. There were plenty of charming chill-out spots near the various food stalls and food trucks to relax and unwind.
Various beautifully decorated stages
As you could read earlier, there are 22 magical stages to be found at Mysteryland. I will mainly take you to the hard dance stages, but of course, the main stage cannot be omitted!
SOUND RUSH AND FRIENDS
The Sound rush & Friends stage, what can I say about that? Personally, I found this stage one of the coolest stages on Friday. This was due to the abundance of lights and lasers that put on an amazing show during the performances of artists like Sound rush, Psyko Punkz, and Rejecta. The moving elements in the light beams kept changing the atmosphere inside the tent time and time again.
MAIN STAGE
One of the festival’s most iconic features was the Mainstage, which served as a symbol of escapism and artistic expression. Against the backdrop of a tumultuous global landscape, this stage emerged as a haven of creative freedom. Incorporating elements from past editions but also a gigantic new golden inflatable half-mask that will be used for the coming 15 to 20 years l, the Mainstage was a testament to the festival’s enduring legacy.
Q.DANCE STAGE
In addition to the main stage, the Q-dance stage is the second-largest stage at Mysteryland. The stage is characterized by the two snake heads on the sides and the large Q from Q-dance in the center. Thanks to its impressive design, the Q-dance stage was quite distinctive. For entertainment, they had many flamethrowers on the stage, and there were also larger flamethrowers that rose above the stages, as can be seen in the photo. In the evening, everything became even more spectacular with the addition of numerous lights and lasers to the show, not to mention the fireworks. Besides the main stage, the Q-dance stage also had its own closing show on Saturday and Sunday. Because the Q-dance stage is located at the base of the pyramid, you could enjoy a fantastic view of the closing show from the pyramid.
THUNDERDOME STAGE
The Thunderdome stage is for the real hardcore fans among us who love genres like early hardcore and are not shy about moving their feet. Well, what else can I tell you about it? Most people are familiar with it, and for those who are not familiar with Thunderdome yet, I would say go and check it out. Who knows, you might want to join the wizard family too.
CELEBRATING DIVERSITY AND AUTHENTICITY
A highlight of this year’s festivities was the Moonshine Barn, an inclusive and diverse space that celebrated individuality. Within its walls, visitors encountered a cabinet of curiosities, and the extraordinary became ordinary. As the sun set and the barn illuminated, attendees revelled in a community that embraced authenticity and self-expression.
Lady Joker at Mysteryland 2023
Nestled within the forest, the enigmatic Lady Joker held court, captivating visitors with her eccentric blend of music, poetry, theatre, and dance. Her performances, inspired by the chaotic beauty of nature, blurred the lines between art and chaos, leaving attendees in awe of her artistic prowess.
THE PEEPSHOW BINGO
This year, in collaboration with Holland Casino, there was a “Peepshow Bingo.” This bingo wasn’t just any bingo; it was a spectacular show filled with music, visuals, lights, and (sexy) dancing. We were truly amazed by everything that happened in just 15 minutes. From pole-dancing women dressed as dogs to aliens and drag queens, it was a wild mix of entertainment. When you entered the tent, you had to take a seat at one of the tables, each with numbers. Later, we found out that if you were sitting at the lucky number 7 table, you’d receive a glass of champagne as a humorous prize. All in all, it was an unforgettable experience.
EMBRACING FREEDOM
As part of its commitment to breaking down barriers, Mysteryland introduced a nudist beach experience, where clothing was left behind and inhibitions were shed. Amidst the sounds of waves and laughter, attendees danced and celebrated in an environment where appearances didn’t matter. Embracing their true selves, festival-goers could even Jane their portrait painted by a Bob Ross look-alike or lose themselves in the ecstatic dance.
Fun facts
- This year, Mysteryland celebrated its 30th anniversary, making it the longest-running electronic music event in the world. Mysteryland welcomed a total of 138,000 visitors over the weekend from nearly 100 nationalities.
- The camping area welcomed a total of 20,000 visitors.
- Mysteryland hosted over 300 artists across 22 stages.
- This year, Mysteryland worked with 600+ delivery partners and 90+ food partners.
- The festival site had 16 kilometers of fencing and 2 kilometers of beer pipes.
- 3500 people were part of Mysteryland’s crew per festival day.
- In total, the stages and constructions used 600,000 screws and weighed 210 tons combined
- The festival featured a total of 7200 lamps and 2800 kilograms of fireworks
- In total, Mysteryland’s site featured 50,000 square meters of wooden floors
- Michel de Hey is the artist that played the most at Mysteryland
- Mysteryland offers a wide variety of genres: Techno, Tech-house, House, Hardcore, Hardstyle, Hard-Techno, Ampiano, Urban, Latin, EDM, and Trance
OUTLOOK – MYSTERYLAND 2024
As the final notes faded into the night, Mysteryland 2023 left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of attendees. With its rich history, vibrant creativity, and unwavering commitment to artistic freedom, the festival continues to evolve and inspire. As the celebration came to a close, eager anticipation turned to Mysteryland 2024, with pre-registration already open for those who yearn to embark on another journey of music, art, and boundless expression.
CONCLUSION
In its 30th year, Mysteryland proved that it was not just a festival but a realm of imagination, a canvas for self-discovery, and a testament to the power of music and art in uniting souls from all corners of the world.