Wait…What’s Ronnie Flex Doing Here?
In our experience, summer only starts the moment you let go of your carefully curated plans (and perhaps your carefully curated sense of self), and just let life happen. Because occasionally, the universe decides to reward you for poor planning – or for being at the right place at the right time. Like every year, that place has an address: CASA BACARDÍ.
At Paaspop (which is kind of the kickoff of Dutch festival season), the day began as a wholesome and optimistic Easter situation. But CASA BACARDÍ, for the uninitiated, likes to dial it up a notch.
Mid-dance party, Dutch ‘Energie’-superstar Ronnie Flex joins the stage for a surprise performance? And wait: it’s his birthday? And we’re all…here? This stage is turning into a massive surprise party. People are singing to him, and towards the end, we’re all dancing like we’ve forgotten our astrological placements.
The whole thing is built around what they’re calling “The Sound of Rum,” Danceable R&B and hip-hop, programmed this year with SMÈRRIG. The energy was very much that: sweaty, spicy, and joyous.
Also, important logistical note: the BaCo (that’s Bacardi + Coca-Cola, for those who enjoy clarity) remains undefeated. They even launched a literal BACARDÍ & Coca-cola train. A moving pregame where you get on a train, and you arrive not just somewhere else, but feeling better than you left. Public transport for the people.
If this sounds too good to be true, you’re in luck, because this wasn’t a one-time thing. CASA BACARDÍ is doing a full summer tour—pulling up to Het Amsterdams Verbond, Solar Festival, and Lowlands, promising more surprises along the way. So, what have we learned from the first festival of the season? You can either channel your micro-manage-y, type-A, work self. Or: you could find yourself surprised and re-energised in CASA BACARDÍ. Anyway. See you there.
Words by Pykel van Latum
