Ballongezelschap organizes every year at the end of December a big party in Paradiso, the music temple of Amsterdam. This has become a very popular party. The tradition is founded by the habitants of the squatted artist village Ruigoord and is so old that the parties have become an interesting mixture of old Hippies and young party folks, grand parents and teenagers, disco’s, travelers and spiritualists. Most are dressed up in the annual party theme; this year was future party animal. The party is also an abundant mixture of different art skills, from music, poetry up to the building of the annual closing show object. This year after an opening performance of many artists, Simon Vinkenoog, Hans Plomp, Fifi l’Amour, Rudy, Aja Waalwijk, Armand and many more, an arch floated to the ceiling.

The party always comes with the guarantee to continue until the early morning, from corner to corner in Paradiso. In the crowded main hall there is another tradition, before party opening balloons with bags of hash are floated to the ceiling. As the temperature rises, they sink slowly and gracefully back to the ground. People dash to be to grab the bag. Sometimes a dope balloon lands on stage during a performance, this can happen even weeks later as not all sink at same time.

Due to popularity of this party, even the toilets had a separate DJ lounge. In the cellar with dress rooms, a drum band entertained the intimae of Ballongezelschap and Ruigoord. A crowd dressed like a spectacle for fashion designers dances on. There is no time just a just a cocoon of friendship. The walls get damp one can hardly see through the smoke, but the party goes on.

Mathilde μP