When Asia’s largest electronic dance music (EDM) festival revealed plans to return to Goa in 2024, it immediately triggered concerns among locals. The festival’s history in Goa has long been controversial, with many residents fearing its impact on their peaceful environment.
Founded by Indian entrepreneur Shailendra Singh, Sunburn has been a prominent event for EDM fans for over 17 years. After its launch in Goa in 2007, the festival became an international music staple, recognized by CNN as one of the top 12 music festivals globally. Although it moved to Pune in 2016 due to growing opposition, the festival retained its status in the global festival circuit, hosting top acts like Carl Cox, Tiesto, David Guetta, and Swedish House Mafia.
In 2022 and 2023, Sunburn returned to Goa’s Vagator Beach. However, when the festival’s 2024 edition was announced for late December in South Goa, the local community reacted strongly. Concerned citizens feared the potential disruption to the quiet beaches due to loud music, drug use, and environmental damage. Many residents who witnessed the aftermath of the festival in North Goa were adamant that the event should not return.
Sunburn has blocked me because of the last time we tried (and were successful) in banning the festival.
It is time to start protesting again. After ruining the North, they are now targeting South Goa. We don’t want Sunburn in Goa. #BanSunburn #BanSunburn #BanSunburn https://t.co/MolswhcmOX
— Joanna (@thatdoggonelady) July 13, 2024
Noise pollution has become a significant issue for Goa’s residents, with complaints about nearby beach clubs playing music at volumes that disturb communities up to 4 km away. Janie Crasto, a resident, expressed how the noise particularly affects her son, who suffers from seizures and autism, making it difficult for him to rest in such an environment.
Sunburn has also faced legal challenges, with a local court ordering a report on the festival’s noise levels in 2022. In addition, the event has unpaid dues to the local community that owns the land where the festival was previously held. These issues have further fueled the opposition to the festival’s return to Goa.
Despite local resistance, the Goa government and tourism industry continue to promote Sunburn as a major cultural event. The Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) highlighted the festival’s positive impact on tourism and the local economy. However, critics question whether the festival benefits Goa during its peak tourist season.
Although Sunburn 2024’s venue remains unconfirmed, tickets have been on sale for months, with prices ranging from Rs 2,500 to Rs 1,475,000 for a VVIP experience.
✨India, the wait is finally over!
We heard you LOUD & CLEAR 🫶🏻
Dive into the depth of electronic music with the one and only @skrillex ! 🌊💫You ALL have been asking for him, and now he’s on his way to SunburnGoa2024 😍
Head to the link in bio and book your tickets now!… pic.twitter.com/Nq0RgBIYHC
— Sunburn Festival (@SunburnFestival) September 25, 2024
Notably, Grammy-winner Skrillex has been announced as a headline act, further fueling anticipation for the event.
Goa’s concerns about preserving its ecosystem are longstanding. Protests against tourism date back to 1987, when locals rallied against West German tourists arriving in Goa. With a population of 1.46 million, the state has witnessed a sharp rise in tourist numbers, growing from 5.2 million in 2015 to over 8.5 million in 2023.
In addition to environmental concerns, many locals are frustrated by tourists invading historic Portuguese colonial homes for social media content. According to writer Merril Diniz, residents frequently deal with entitled behavior from influencers who disrupt their privacy without consent.
The Independent reached out to the Sunburn Festival’s organizers for their response to the growing controversies, but they declined to comment.
