The judicial decision sided with residents, confirming that noise levels exceed permitted limits inside homes. Measurements reached up to 80 decibels (dB) within residences, whereas regulations set a maximum of 45 dB at night and 55 dB during the day. This difference, more than 30 dB above the allowed thresholds, indicates an objective non-compliance affecting fundamental rights such as rest.
In this context, the administration is obliged to act, but with limited room for maneuver. Maintaining festivals at their current location would mean reducing the volume to a point that would detract from the experience and make artist bookings difficult, as a major festival typically operates between 100-110 dB on site. Therefore, relocating these events appears to be the most probable alternative.
Within the city, the Marina is drawing much attention. Marina Sur, capable of hosting large-scale events, is currently constrained by construction and capacity limits, reducing its capacity to about 14,000 people, far from the numbers seen at festivals like Festival de les Arts (between 40,000 and 60,000 attendees) or BigSound (over 70,000). Marina Norte has emerged as an immediate alternative following the relocation of Jean-Michel Jarre's concert, initially planned for the Ciutat de les Arts. However, neighborhood and hospitality associations in Cabanyal-Canyamelar have rejected this option, arguing that it merely shifts the noise problem rather than solving it.
Outside València, the metropolitan area offers more physical space. In Torrent, Parc Central has proven capable of hosting multitudinous events, such as Rockejat or the Germanor Fest of 2025, with an area of approximately 26,000 square meters. In Mislata, the fairgrounds, about 14,000 square meters, have also hosted concerts with nearly 20,000 people. These examples demonstrate that the metropolitan area can absorb large events, considering its proximity to the city center and public transport accessibility.
However, none of these municipalities have taken a firm step to consolidate themselves as an alternative. Hosting major festivals involves impacts in terms of noise and mobility, and local councils are avoiding clear positioning. Cases like Cullera, with the Zevra Festival (155,000 attendees) and the Medusa Festival (over 180,000), show that the model can succeed in large venues near the coast, away from dense residential areas.
To analyze alternatives, Municipal Acoustic Plans (PAM) exist, documents that regulate noise in each municipality. These plans delineate zones based on their sensitivity and establish permissible levels. Their implementation is irregular, with many municipalities not having approved them or having outdated ones. Their absence does not block events but reduces predictability regarding compliance with legal noise limits.
Major festivals require very specific spaces: large venues, capable of accommodating tens of thousands of people, well-connected by public transport, and, above all, far from dense residential areas or protected by natural or artificial barriers that minimize sound propagation. Without a clear map of suitable venues, each event relies on ad hoc solutions that, as the ruling demonstrates, can be called into question.
