Introduction

For many years I've always had a passion for hardstyle and going to defqon had been a huge dream for many years. I got impulsive one day and decided to just leave Sweden and travel for the first time.

Background and Preparation

What is Defqon.1? Defqon.1 was founded in 2003 by the festival organizer Q-dance, the festival plays almost all hardstyle genres such as rawstyle, hardcore, early and classic.

Preparation: I set out to the Netherlands with just a tent, basic hygiene products without really planning too much on routes. The only preperation I had was an airbnb in Leylystad I had booked prior to the festival.

Arrival and First Impressions

Upon arrival I went straight for the security gates to enter the festival grounds. It was a lovely atmosphere, people sitting on the grass listening to music waiting for friends. I had the luxury of sharing a beer with one other person attending defqon.

Festival Highlights

Performances

My favorite set has to be Sefa on red stage (main stage). He played the song Symphony of life it had me really emotional, I saw people around me also tearing up. It was really beautiful especially with all the fireworks making the whole set even more special.

Atmosphere

There is no such day as a bad day at defqon, you make the best of what you have and it seems like everyone attending defqon also has that mindset. Sharing is caring is probably the best way to explain the people attending defqon.

Other Activities

Other than roaming around taking in each beautiful sculpture there's at defqon, the one thing that I really enjoyed doing at defqon was sitting at people's tents and making new friends. You don't need to have any alcohol, since you all have a mutual interest at defqon.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

I do not think I have hated waiting more than I did at defqon. Waiting for the food being served when there was many people ordering was horrible. Not to mention the food quality during peak hours is mid at best.
But apart from that, the food is really good just keep in mind not to order during crowded hours.

Memorable Moments

My absolute favorite moment will always be when Sefa played symphony of life, it was really beautiful.
The second most memorable moment I experienced at defqon has to be when Le Prince was singing the traditional "Left to Right" but in a reagge style.

The Closing Ceremony

The best way to describe it is probably that the people went all out the last hours of defqon. It got really emotional at least for me.
The traditional "left to right" played even there, which was unique since usually they only do that once thru out Defqon.

Post-Festival Thoughts

Defqon has surely got me another perspective on my own hobbies and how I want to spend my life. I met some really cool friends and I will try to attend Defqon every year if I can.

Conclusion

Attending Defqon.1 was a life-changing experience for me. It was a journey of spontaneity, stepping outside my comfort zone, and immersing myself in the hardstyle community that I’ve always admired. From breathtaking performances like Sefa’s emotional set on the Red Stage to the unforgettable camaraderie at tents and shared moments with strangers-turned-friends, every moment was worth it.