Since its inception in the Mayan jungles of Mexico in 2012, Day Zero has been associated with new beginnings. Day Zero returns ten years after it was created to mark the end of the world, with people craving its magical and mystical qualities more than ever. The event has decided to enter its tenth year by claiming the symbolic date of January 10th, after consulting with the local Mayan community and Day Zero’s spiritual advisors.
The powerful transmissions and shared spaces between the ancient and contemporary are central to the Day Zero experience. Day Zero seeks to immerse attendees in sonic and visual wonder, combining incredible physical locations, groundbreaking production, and world-class musical performances, anchored by its founder, Damian Lazarus, from the deserts of Israel’s Masada to the jungles of Tulum, from sunset to sunrise.
Day Zero lineup, artists and stages.
The Mainstage of Day Zero is still the beating heart of the adventure, a naturally formed amphitheater full of wonder and surprises. Sidartha Siliceo will once again perform the traditional opening ceremony, which will set the tone for mind-blowing performances by American flag bearers Seth Troxler and The Martinez Brothers, Solid Groove superstar Michael Bibi, and the unstoppable duo Bedouin. Crosstown alums Francesca Lombardo, Dennis Cruz, and Tibi Dabo will also make their return, followed of course by sunrise sorcery from Damian Lazarus himself and the Day Zero debut of Wizardry (Damian Lazarus, DJ Three, and DJ Tennis).
The Club is an intimate enclave in the Day Zero footprint, with Russian techno auteur Nina Kraviz making her Tulum debut, Detroit legend Carl Craig, fellow Motor City resident and rising star DJ Holographic, Flying Circus’ Audiofly, Pachanga Boy, and Burning Man icon Rebolledo, and Life and Death punk-dance founder DJ Tennis performing a solo set.
For some of Mexico’s most cutting-edge live acts and DJs, the El Teatro stage will continue to provide a forested cosmic landing. Nortec, a Grammy-winning Tijuana duo, and their extended family, Bostich and Fusible, will take center stage. The Nortec Collective is known for fusing electronica, tambora, and norteo, so expect something special from a group that has performed at the Royal Albert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. AAAA, experimental downtempo producer Isaac Soto, Crosstown Rebels associates Metrika & Balkazar, and the dubby Krema label affiliated Buena Tarde will be among a new generation of live Mexican acts.
The sounds of NYC and Monterrey’s K-Alexis, Mayan Warrior cohort and fellow Monterrey resident Kawas, the esoteric and dynamic sounds of Kris Berle, and mind-blowing visuals from some of Mexico’s most forward-thinking visual artists will take to the El Teatro DJ decks.
While most of the world has been sleeping, Lazarus and his creative team have been refining and reimagining. Day Zero reappears, rejuvenated. Those in the know will tell you it remains the unexpected moments and deep roots in the ancient and magical that makes it one of the world’s best festivals.
Day Zero festival tickets are available here.
