In 2012, on the dawn of a new era commemorated by the end of the Mayan calendar, a tradition was born in the jungles of Tulum. Tribes of party people from all corners of the earth set out to gather in a new way - bringing with them their own unique perspectives, all seeking an opportunity to reflect on the year past and renew a shared energy born from the collision of ancient and modern, creative and hedonistic. The result was Day Zero, a party for the ages bred from the mind and team of Damian Lazarus. The party returns once again on January 11 with one its most astounding lineups to date, announced today.
Intertwining Mayan culture and natural wonders, Day Zero fuses the mythic and modern to create an alternate avant garde universe nestled in the transcendental jungles of Tulum. Mind-bending production harnesses the mystic ambiance of the natural backdrop as laser beams pierce through lush canopies, immersive art installations spill throughout the grounds, and local Mayan guides perform traditional rituals throughout the night in homage to the ancient cultures the festival celebrates.
A true testament to the curatorial genius of founder Damian Lazarus, Day Zero is soundtracked from sunset to sunrise by trailblazing tastemakers, forward-thinking selectors, and live acts found on the outer fringes and biggest stages of electronic music. The lineup features the likes of formidable rave pioneer Fatboy Slim, Amapiano flag bearers Major League DJz, globally renowned club icon DJ Harvey, Berlin’s infectious Patrick Mason, All Day I Dream founder Lee Burridge, SCI + TEC label boss Dubfire, and NYC house legend Victor Calderone. The billing also features a very special guest, which will be revealed in the coming months.
The lineup continues with Turkish-Italian sensation Carlita, Maccabi House maestros Adam Ten and Mita Gami, flamenco electronica duo Mëstiza, eclectic icon Sonja Moonear, Italian artist Francesca Lombardo, Audiofly member Anthony Middleton, and Crosstown staple Bartolomeo. With an unwavering commitment to spotlighting emerging talent and avantgarde tastemakers, Damian also invites UK heavyweight Cameron Jack, Parisian DJ and producer Salome le Chat, minimal master Priku, Tulum staple Lum, Crosstown regular Airrica, multi-instrumentalist DJ Cole Knight, and rising star Meera.
As the pioneering international festival in Mexico to feature a stage dedicated exclusively to Mexican artists, Day Zero will once again showcase a diverse lineup of innovative Mexican talent on the El Teatro stage. The lineup for this underground stronghold beneath the jungle canopy includes a live performance from Akumandra label founder Sainte Vie, Calypso Cult regular Sabrina, CDMX’s MNTY, Sunday Sunday resident Rafatel, Monterrey’s Roderic (live), Discosis, and Secret Echoes (live), the Mexican supergroup signed by Crosstown Rebels comprised of Metrika, Estefani Brolo, and Balcazar. Sidartha Siliceo will purify the air during El Teatro’s opening ceremony for mesmerizing performances to follow.
Keeping with Day Zero tradition, Damian will of course take partygoers on a mind-melting sonic journey in the early hours of the morning. As a selector and producer, Damian has never been afraid of reinventing himself, and remains one of the most exciting DJs to bear witness to. His disregard for the rules at play through genre-defying edits and reworks seamlessly showcase a storied dedication to musical history alongside dance floor sensibilities regarded by many as the work of pure magic.
Day Zero remains steadfast in its dedication to respecting the sacred grounds it occupies, working closely with the local community and Mayan spiritual leaders through its Crosstown Consciousness program. Initiatives include turning plastic waste from production into fuel to power the festival in partnership with Mexican company Petgas, a partnership with UNESCO endorsed project SOS MARES to restore and clean coral reef barriers in Mexico and Colombia, funding a local children’s music school, organizing beach cleanups, and collaborating with local organizations to donate trees and reforest areas of Tulum.
Day Zero has established a profound sanctuary for electronic music enthusiasts, immersing attendees in a realm of enchantment, connection, ancient traditions, and cultural reverence. It’s an experience that transcends the ordinary, inviting you to see, hear, and feel its magic to truly appreciate its essence. As time passes, many imitator parties in Tulum have risen, but there is only one true Day Zero.
