Some things are destined to be together. Cocoon and Amnesia are two of those things. It's sometimes been a bumpy road, but what star-crossed relationship doesn't have its obstacles? Like all good love stories, all that matters is they end up back together in the end.
After a six-year break, Cocoon is rightfully back at its Amnesia birthplace this May. Unbelievably, it's been that long since the fabled summer of 2019 when the party celebrated its twentieth anniversary.
Although we did get treated to a very special 25th birthday party late last summer at 528 Ibiza, the homecoming to Amnesia feels all the more poignant. There's more than a little sense of romance about the return.
We caught up with Cocoon creator "Papa" Sven Väth to get the inside track on what's going down on 18 May.
Sven Väth on the record
Before we talk about Cocoon, let's quickly speak about T.R.A.N.C.E. This is now the fourth year of parties for you at Las Dalias. The island's first big party of 2025 - completely sold out in advance. What is it about this location that makes these parties so special?
"To me, Las Dalias - and especially Akasha - feels like a living temple.
It's a place where sound, people and nature resonate together. The intimacy, the open-air energy, the light, the scent, the people... everything feels pure there.
T.R.A.N.C.E. thrives on exactly that: Transformation, Resonance, Ascendancy, Nature, Connection, Ecstasy. All of it merges on this magical stage.
The fact that our 2025 Easter special and the opening in May sold out far in advance shows how deeply people crave authenticity and moments that truly move them."
The Easter edition of T.R.A.N.C.E. was Ibiza's first sold out party of 2025
What are the fundamental differences between the T.R.A.N.C.E parties and Cocoon?
"Cocoon has always been a collective adventure. Wild, intense, an explosion of energy and freedom. A manifesto of hedonism – always with a rebellious heartbeat.
T.R.A.N.C.E., on the other hand, is an inner dance. Less loud, but just as intense. It's about getting lost and, in doing so, finding yourself. Less about drops, more about flow. No expectations, just surrender.
Both formats carry my signature, but they show two very different sides of my being - and of the music."
Last September, after five years away, Cocoon made an emphatic return to the island at 528 Ibiza. What a release of energy it was. What were your best memories from the day?
"It felt like a big family reunion, full of emotion. So many familiar faces, tears, laughter, sweat, ecstasy. It felt like the old days, only wiser. The bond that has grown over the years was present in every moment. I was deeply moved."
Forever setting the agenda, Cocoon was the first party to use the onsite space for an immediate after party. What was it like?
"The after hour was magical. The team at 528 offered us the location - a gesture that showed how well they understood our vision. That night had a special flow you can’t plan. It came from the moment, just like everything that ever made Cocoon ignite."
Last summer, Cocoon took over 528 Ibiza in Benimussa Hills for its 25th anniversary
Looking ahead to 18 May, Cocoon is back at its spiritual home, Amnesia. After all the ups and downs in your journey together, what is it about the club that keeps you coming back?
"Amnesia is more than just a club for Cocoon. It’s the birthplace, the home, a place of memories.
That’s where it all started. The sweat in the heat of the night, the first bass drop blasting through the CO2 cannons into the crowd, the endless Terrace nights, the dawns with 5,000 people in trance. Amnesia carries our DNA – and we carry a part of it within us.
On 18 May, we’ll bring all of that back. For one night. Forever."
Just like last September at 528, Richie Hawtin has been unveiled as the second headliner at this homecoming. In what ways has Richie’s sound influenced the Cocoon dancefloor down through the decades?
"Richie is Richie, as he has always been. And that’s exactly why he’s so vital to Cocoon.
His sound opened spaces and shifted boundaries. He’s never been just a DJ. He’s a pulse, a pioneer, a shaman. When Richie plays, the frequency in the room changes. And our crowd has always felt and celebrated that."
Richie Hawtin's last Amnesia appearance for Cocoon came in the fabled summer of 2019
Are there any more details you can share with us now? Will the giant jellyfish be back?
"There won’t be jellyfish décor this year, but there will be other good surprises. We’re currently working on a new visual language, something unexpected but true to our philosophy. It will still be magical. Expect something different..."
We cant wait to see it. Finally, will 18 May be the last we see of Cocoon in Ibiza 2025?
"No. We’ll return in September. 528 will again be the stage for our season finale. You can count on it. Cocoon is more than a party - it’s a promise."
Thank you, Papa Sven!
Tickets for Cocoon at Amnesia on Sunday 18 May are on sale now and available to buy at the bottom of this page.
Further news, including the rest of the line-up and other details will be published soon. To stay up to date, follow our social media channels or pay our magazine homepage a frequent visit. See you on the dancefloor.
PHOTOGRAPHY | by Daniel Woeller, David Holderbach and PHRANK
