Title: The end of nightclubs: do European youth prefer other forms of partying?
Introduction :
In the not-so-distant past, Saturday night fever brought young people together in nightclubs, around a dance floor animated by disco balls and strobes. However, in recent years this iconic scene has lost its appeal among those under 30. So what led to this lack of interest in nightclubs? In this article, we will explore this trend and find out what forms of celebration are preferred by European youth.
The evolution of party habits:
According to statistics, the number of nightclubs in France has fallen by 70% in recent decades, from 4,000 to 1,200 establishments. In Germany, we are also observing a decrease in the number of nightclubs, in favor of bars. In addition, a study carried out by the British platform Keep Hush reveals that only 25% of Generation Z still goes out clubbing. This trend of deserting night establishments cannot therefore be solely attributed to the Covid-19 crisis.
The “indoor generation”:
This phenomenon of disinterest in nightclubs has given rise to numerous sociological studies. Some refer to this generation as the “indoor generation” or the “cocoon generation”, a generation that prefers to stay at home in small groups to watch series, play video games or board games. This new way of partying reflects a change in attitude towards nightlife.
The success of the festivals:
Despite this disaffection for nightclubs, it is interesting to note that festivals remain very popular with young people. In France, between 6,000 and 8,000 festivals are organized each year. Festivals offer an exceptional experience, with specific dates, extended duration and the opportunity to attend multiple concerts for the price of one ticket. This shows that young people want more unique and special festive experiences.
The movement to reinvent the night:
Faced with this evolution of party habits, initiatives to reinvent the night are emerging. For example, the Consentis association and the Beyond the Night collective launched a manifesto to raise awareness of sexist and sexual violence which can spoil the party in many establishments. They offer training to help establishments secure their events and deal with violence adequately.
An evolving nomadic culture:
The party has always evolved and sought new forms of expression. In the 2010s and 2020s, we observed the emergence of a nomadic culture, less attached to a specific place than to a concept. Collectives and traveling events, such as Concrete in Paris, have shaken up the nights by organizing parties in different locations each time. This development shows that young people are looking for a more innovative and alternative party experience.
Conclusion :
The loss of interest in nightclubs does not mean that young Europeans no longer know how to party. Rather, it reflects a shift in nightlife preferences and expectations. Festivals and nighttime reinvention initiatives show that young people are looking for more unique and safe party experiences. In the years to come, the holiday will continue to evolve and reinvent itself, providing new entertainment opportunities for future generations.