A German techno festival has sparked outrage in Karsibor in Swinoujscie, Poland, by setting up camp next to the Natura 2000, a protected nature reserve, much to the dismay of local residents and environmentalists.
Dubbed the “Friendship Festival,” the event reportedly began abruptly yesterday along the tranquil Zacisze Street on the outskirts of Karsibórz. The festival, which runs until Sunday, has been shrouded in secrecy, with tickets available only through a German website and little to no publicity in Poland itself. Attendees, primarily Germans, could register and purchase tickets online, with one of the options including a camping spot.
The sudden influx of festival-goers, facilitated by buses, taxis, and vans with German plates, has transformed the usually quiet area into a bustling site. The festival features loud music and various performances, with basic information about the bands and event rules available online. However, there’s a notable absence of details regarding the organizers or the environmental precautions taken, if any.
Local residents expressed their frustration, highlighting the irony of stringent local environmental protections that normally prohibit even small gatherings to preserve the area’s natural beauty. “We can’t even lay down a picnic blanket because of the Natura 2000 regulations, but they are allowed to blast music so loud it can be heard miles away,” complained one local to iswinoujscie.pl news outlet. The noise, coupled with alcohol use and the overall disruption, has left the community feeling invaded and helpless.
Attempts to communicate with the organizers were futile as journalists from iswinoujscie.pl and even curious locals were denied entry. The lack of transparency and perceived disrespect for local regulations and environmental protections have fueled a growing resentment among Swinoujscie residents.
Critics argue that such a festival would likely not be permitted in Germany without strict oversight, suggesting that the organizers chose Poland as a less restrictive venue. The event raises significant concerns about the impact on the protected natural habitat and sets a troubling precedent for the misuse of conservation areas for large-scale events without appropriate oversight.