The Techno Parade of Paris is canceled for the 2nd consecutive year No cumbersome Olympic Games or pandemic this time, but financial problems
No techno parade dancing through the streets of Paris this year either. While last year, the Olympic Games held in the heart of the capital prevented the Techno Parade — the annual procession of speaker-loaded vehicles blasting techno music — from happening, this year the event is once again cancelled, but for a much sadder reason: financial issues. Due to difficulties in securing sponsors and thus raising the necessary funds, Paris streets will remain eerily quiet for another year. Created in Berlin in 1989 and originally named Love Parade, the Techno Parade quickly became a staple of the French capital, fueled by its musical heritage and world-renowned French House. However, good intentions and enthusiastic participants are not enough to organize an event of this scale.
The last edition of the Techno Parade actually dates back to 2023, which marked its 25th anniversary and gathered no fewer than 400,000 participants. A record-breaking turnout that, hopefully, will soon return to the now calm streets of the City of Light. But this is neither the first nor the second time the event has been canceled. Since its creation, it has been canceled five times: in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks; in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic; last year due to the Olympics; and now again. These cancellations have not sat well with some, such as former Minister of Culture Jack Lang, who launched the French version of the Techno Parade inspired by the Berlin model, stating: "It is a humiliation for Paris, for France, and for French House, right when President Macron is pushing for UNESCO recognition of the French Touch as intangible cultural heritage, uniting the big names of electronic music."
Nevertheless, Technopol, the association behind the event, reassured the public by confirming that "the next edition will be held in 2026. This year will be dedicated to discussions with public and private partners to develop a renewed model for the Techno Parade, over twenty-five years after its inception. We’ve decided to rethink our funding model and work with long-term partners to preserve and sustain the event over time." So let’s hope no new pandemic, economic crisis, or alien invasion hinders the return of the Techno Parade. Because when the world is struggling, sometimes music, a rhythmic procession through Paris, and a shared afternoon in community can be the best remedy.