Los Ninos : Pushing buttons & boundaries for 20 years

As Los Ninos marks its 20-year milestone, we seize the opportunity to catch up with Willy, one of the founding minds behind this iconic fixture in Brussels’ queer nightlife scene. Join us as we delve into the journey, evolution, and enduring impact of this beloved institution, pushing boundaries and creating magic along the way.

What was your vision when you started the Los Ninos party 20 years ago? 

We envisioned a party in 2004 that offered a blend of elements missing from the scene. Our aim was to fuse the concepts of sustainability and ecological awareness with queer nightlife, inspired by the emerging discussions on these topics. Collaborations with eco-conscious partners like Bioshop and Ecover helped introduce eco-friendly products. Additionally, we drew inspiration from diverse sources such as the 80s revival, the Club Kids era, and influential music compilations like “As Heard on Radio Soulwax pt2” by 2ManyDJs. Our goal was to create a space where everyone, regardless of background or identity, could come together to forget the daily grind and be themselves.

What were the standout venues for you?

Each venue had its charm and appeal. From the intimate setting of a small boat where people were packed closely together to the spacious dance floors of C12 with its two rooms, each location offered a unique experience. We cherished venues like the Art Deco swimming pool in Vorst and the historic Congress Station and Kaaitheater. Our own venue, FFORMATT, a converted underground parking garage opposite the Beurs in Brussels, allowed us to experiment with unconventional spaces like a gymnasium and smoking area. We fondly remember our first location in Antwerp, a 1970s restaurant in the middle of a park, unfortunately lost to a fire. In total, we utilized 34 venues across Lisbon, Ghent, Antwerp, and Brussels.

How have you managed to remain relevant after 20 years?

We believe our audience holds the answer to that question. Our passion for music, organizing events, and creating enjoyable experiences resonates with our diverse audience. By continually evolving and adapting to changing tastes and trends, we’ve managed to maintain our relevance.

Your audience is incredibly diverse in terms of age, gender, sexuality, and geographical location. How did you achieve this inclusivity?

We’ve seen a new generation of attendees who weren’t even born when we started, which is fantastic to witness. Creating a space where people from all walks of life feel welcome and appreciated has always been a priority for us. We aim to bring together fun-loving individuals who appreciate the eclectic mix of DJs and music genres we offer.

In the past, there were multiple party concepts, but now only Los Ninos remains. Why is that?

We believe we were the only ones who truly understood the difference between our concepts. Rather than fragmenting our brand into separate entities like Vicuna, Les Bals, and FingerSpitzenGefühl, we now focus on finding alternative ways to communicate what Los Ninos represents.

How do you envision the future of clubbing/parties in Brussels?

Clubbing is essential for any capital city, serving as both an outlet for stress relief and a breeding ground for creativity. Brussels must continue to offer a diverse range of venues and genres to cater to all tastes. Despite increasing real estate pressures, maintaining a balance between residential and leisure spaces is crucial. We hope to continue innovating and pushing boundaries for another 20 years, all while embracing our new slogan: 🎀 𝒸🍬𝓂𝑒 🍩𝓊𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓅𝓁💎𝓎🩷.

Next party : April 12 in C12 > tickets on www.losninos.be

Photos : Los Ninos