20 Years On: Reliving Amnesia Ibiza’s Iconic 2005 Season

In 2005, Ibiza's iconic club Amnesia experienced a summer season that beautifully captured the spirit and diversity of the island's nightlife at the time. Marking a significant shift, Amnesia changed ownership, now under the team behind Cream, one of Ibiza's most influential clubbing brands. This transition further boosted Amnesia’s global appeal and marked the tenth anniversary of Cream’s legendary Ibiza residency.

Here’s how the week looked back in 2005:

Monday

Monday nights belonged to Cocoon, an underground techno powerhouse founded and hosted by techno legend Sven Väth. Cocoon quickly became the defining weekly event, transforming Mondays at Amnesia into an essential ritual for techno enthusiasts. Väth curated a cutting-edge selection of DJs including Richie Hawtin, Ricardo Villalobos, Luciano, and Miss Kittin, making Cocoon an influential hub for minimal techno - a genre that would dominate the global electronic music scene for years to come. Cocoon’s adventurous sounds and energetic crowd set the standard for Ibiza’s underground scene and reaffirmed Amnesia's reputation for groundbreaking parties.

Tuesday

Responding to overwhelming demand for trance music, Amnesia launched Armada Nights on Tuesdays, spearheaded by Dutch trance icon Armin van Buuren. As a showcase for Armin's Armada Music label, Tuesdays at Amnesia featured powerful performances from trance stalwarts like Markus Schulz and M.I.K.E. (Push). Armin’s extended sets, known for their emotional melodies and progressive energy, rapidly established Tuesdays as another unmissable night for trance fans, further solidifying Amnesia as the island’s trance epicenter alongside Cream.

Wednesday

Wednesdays brought flamboyance and extravagant glamour with La Troya Asesina, a wildly popular LGBTQ-friendly event originally established at Space. Resident DJs DJ Oliver and César de Melero filled the terraces with uplifting Iberian-infused house music, while elaborate performances, drag shows, and creative themes attracted a diverse and energetic crowd. Known for its joyful hedonism, La Troya Asesina showcased Ibiza’s inclusive party culture and added a distinctly celebratory flavor to Amnesia’s weekly calendar.

Thursday

Thursdays at Amnesia continued to be dominated by Cream, celebrating a decade of exceptional trance nights. The exclusive residencies of global superstars Tiësto and Paul van Dyk drew immense crowds each week, cementing Cream’s legacy as one of Ibiza’s most celebrated events. Guests like Ferry Corsten, Marco V, Eddie Halliwell, and rare appearances by Paul Oakenfold elevated the main room’s trance experience, while house and electro acts such as Shapeshifters and Jon Carter energized the terrace.

Friday

On Fridays, Made in Italy offered an alternative, refined house music experience. With resident DJs Les Schmitz and Mar-T, along with rotating guest DJs from Italy's rich house music scene, the night attracted a stylish crowd. The event resonated strongly with island locals and European clubbers who appreciated its chic atmosphere and quality music selections.

Saturday

Saturdays embraced Ibiza’s local spirit through the aptly named People from Ibiza event. This night celebrated the Balearic house sound, featuring island veterans DJ Pippi and César de Melero alongside resident DJs Les Schmitz and Mar-T. Known for its laid-back vibe and authentic Balearic sound, Saturdays at Amnesia were beloved by locals and visitors. Often transitioning seamlessly into Sunday’s legendary foam parties, People from Ibiza encapsulated an unique atmosphere that defined the island’s club culture.

Sunday

Sunday’s foam party, La Espuma, provided a wildly entertaining finale to Amnesia’s week. A longstanding tradition, La Espuma was famed for its playful chaos, eclectic soundtrack of pop, hip-hop, reggaeton, and party hits, and the iconic foam cannons that engulfed partygoers in bubbles. Resident DJs like Les Schmitz kept the energy high, creating an atmosphere of carefree fun that perfectly rounded off an intense week of clubbing.

In addition to its iconic weekly parties, the 2005 season at Amnesia Ibiza featured several remarkable one-off events that became standout moments of the summer. BBC Radio 1's Ibiza Weekend arrived at Cream on August 11, bringing legendary broadcasters like Pete Tong and Annie Mac alongside sets from Jacques Lu Cont, NU NRG, Gareth Wyn, Paul Van Dyk and Touche, all transmitted live to millions worldwide. Cocoon's season climax on September 19 also became unforgettable, showcasing marathon techno sets from Sven Väth, Richie Hawtin, Ricardo Villalobos, Luciano, and a notable live performance from Alter Ego. Meanwhile, Cream's 10th-anniversary closing party on September 22 featured superstar residents Tiësto and Paul van Dyk, attracting massive crowds who danced until dawn.

The 2005 season at Amnesia represented a pivotal moment in Ibiza's clubbing history. With trance at its peak, techno emerging as a dominant force, and house music continuously evolving, Amnesia skillfully balanced mainstream appeal with underground authenticity. This diverse musical lineup attracted international clubbers, local partygoers, and superstar DJs, cementing Amnesia’s reputation as one of Ibiza’s premier nightlife destinations.