Sunjam 2014 is upon us and the warm up parties have been in full swing around the island of Utila with another party set to begin later today and going until tomorrow morning at Bando Beach.
Sunjam is an annual techno music beach party held at Water Cay off of the South western tip of the main island of Utila. This year the 18th edition of Sunjam will held from dusk until well past dawn on August 2.
Reserving the first weekend in August since 1996 Sunjam has become one of the most popular techno venues in Central America. Warm up parties are held at various locations around the main island of Utila and begin one week before the all-night party is scheduled to commence on Water Cay.
Sunjam Beach Party
Water Cay is an uninhabited and serene, privately owned 3 acre island, accessible by boat only. Complete with waving coconut and palm trees, whispering pine trees and home to many thousands of hermit crabs and a large sand bar. During the day, snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing are wonderful and relaxing activities to partake in at Water Cay. However, for one 24 hour period a year, this tranquil piece of Caribbean paradise is taken over by one thousand plus party goers who descend on the island for a spectacular all night dance party.
Organizers begin two weeks prior to the date, cleaning Water Cay and organizing the barges that will bring stages, light systems, generators, transportable bars and of course, latrines to ground zero of party central. Once the party is over an after party will be held at Chepes beach.
The line-up of talented professional DJs is impressive and gets better every year making Sunjam a venue that DJs are vying for. The program for this year has recently been released and attendees can look forward to an evening of spectacular performances by the following artists:
2014 Utila Sunjam DJs
For party people, this event is unique in that you can only access the venue by taking a 20-45 minute boat ride from main Utila Town and that there are no hotels or hostels on Water Cay. A few people will bring tents and hammocks, most just come prepared with an attitude that sustains them throughout the entire night of boundless dancing welcoming the new day with the sunrise over the tropical island.
Revelers arrive from all over Honduras and Central America. Back packers make stopping in Utila in August a must-do point on their itinerary in order to partake in this legendary party. There are quite a handful of Utila expats who continue to attend Sunjam year after year. “This is the biggest and best party of the year” said a Sunjam veteran who has attended the party almost every year since 1996. “A party on a deserted island where no one tells you to turn the music off or down, surrounded by your friends and amazing electronic music, dancing like crazy and watching the sun come up”, it doesn’t get much better than that!
Sunjam has come a long way since its early days. A veteran party goer from Utila commented on how the party has evolved since the first humble event where “there were just a handful of people from Utila, one local DJ, a small sound system, three lights – and no toilets! Now, it’s a bit like going to a festival or concert in Europe. Lots of people from all over who arrive (on Utila) for the event that now has a big stage, light system, security and DJ’s from all over the world.”
Another long term follower added, “the early years of Sunjam were pretty minimal as far as the set up and sound, however, the production has become totally organized and professional with a big stage, great sound and even a first aid tent! “
Many Sunjam devotees return to Utila each year to meet up with friends and enjoy the party. Most agree that being able to participate in a professionally organized party on a tropical island where they can be with good friends in a unique location, listen to great music, people watch and dance through the night make Sunjam an event not to be missed!
Early bird tickets for Sunjam were available for purchase online at ventasonlinett.com for $40 and are now available in Utila from Parrots Dive Shop in Utila. Presale tickets will also be available at from outlets in cities around Honduras, check the official website: sunjamutila.com for more information. After the pre-sale period tickets will cost $60 each.
Photo Credit: facebook.com/sunjamutila