From UFO Scares to Tiger Cages: The Wild History of halen’s Boccaccio Disco
Table of Contents
- From UFO Scares to Tiger Cages: The Wild History of halen’s Boccaccio Disco
- The UFO Incident of 1989: When Skytracer Lights Triggered Mass Hysteria
- Name Change and Notoriety: Embracing the Boccaccio brand
- Tigers at the Entrance: A Wild Marketing Stunt
- Extravagant Performances and celebrity Guests: Inside the Boccaccio Experience
- Police Visits and Parking Solutions: Managing the Chaos
- Boccaccio East: The Legacy Continues
- Beyond the Beats: Unmasking the Legendary Boccaccio Disco’s Wild Ride
The legendary Boccaccio disco in halen, Belgium, boasts a history as vibrant and eccentric as its patrons. Founded in March 1988 by Benny Strouven, a native of graas (Geetbets), the nightclub rapidly transformed into a hotspot, celebrated for its extravagant events and unforgettable stories. From attracting the attention of F-16 fighter jets due to perceived UFO sightings in 1989 to featuring live tigers at the entrance, Boccaccio consistently pushed boundaries and captured the imagination of partygoers. Benny Strouven, now 63, recalls the humble beginnings of his iconic establishment, seeking land near the motorway exit in Halen to open his own dancing.
Benny Strouven, now 63, remembers the initial challenges of establishing his iconic nightclub.He sought land near the motorway exit in Halen to realize his vision. “That land was then a garbage dump with rats,” Benny recalls.“The mayor wanted to say it and I wanted land.It was a win-win situation. I stamped the pharaoh out of the ground.” The disco initially opened under the name Pharaoh, setting the stage for years of legendary nights.
The UFO Incident of 1989: When Skytracer Lights Triggered Mass Hysteria
One of the most bizarre and memorable chapters in Boccaccio’s history unfolded in 1989, involving powerful skytracer lights. “The craziest thing I experienced were the UFOs in 1989,” laughs Benny. He first encountered skytracers at an interior fair for discos, recognizing thier potential to create a visually stunning spectacle. These powerful beams, visible for miles, seemed perfect for the pharaoh disco.
Though, the lights soon caused unexpected chaos. Benny received a call from the attorney, demanding he cease using the lights due to public safety concerns.“I was stunned. What was it talking about? From close by you saw the rays, but from a distance you only saw the light circles in the air. Apparently people thought they were UFOs.Cars were crashed on the motorway as the drivers looked up. The police received so manny telephones that even two F-16s came to watch. it was front page news in Het belang van Limburg. I can tell you that the disco was packed a week later. (laughs)” The incident, while initially alarming, inadvertently boosted the disco’s popularity, transforming a potential crisis into a marketing triumph.
Name Change and Notoriety: Embracing the Boccaccio brand
despite its continued success under the Pharaoh moniker,Benny recognized the need for innovation and evolution. In 1995, he seized the possibility to purchase the name of the notorious boccaccio disco in Destelbergen. Although the Destelbergen location was known as a Drugskot
, Benny was undeterred, seeing the potential in the brand. His business partner at the time, Patrick Claesen, also known as Pat Krimson, had different ideas. Their partnership dissolved after the name change, with Pat Krimson going on to start Atmoz in Hasselt. Benny continued with Boccaccio, maintaining its popularity and forging a new identity for the Halen nightclub.
Tigers at the Entrance: A Wild Marketing Stunt
Boccaccio continued to make headlines with its audacious and often controversial stunts. One memorable evening involved live tigers at the entrance,a spectacle that pushed the boundaries of entertainment. “There was a circus in the neighborhood were I had seen them,” says Benny. “For 2,000 euros I arranged that someone came by with four tigers. But that man did not dare to get the tigers out of their cage. A day before the animals had attacked another girl. It didn’t matter either. People couldn’t love the animals. Now I think: what if someone had put his arm through the bars? Anyway, that was the period in my life where I first did somthing and then thought.” The incident, while generating buzz, also highlighted the potential risks and ethical considerations of such extreme promotions.
Extravagant Performances and celebrity Guests: Inside the Boccaccio Experience
inside Boccaccio, the atmosphere was equally extravagant and unforgettable. Benny recalls the diverse clientele,including transsexuals and scantily dressed dancers,creating a vibrant and inclusive habitat. He remembers one performer named Fanny,known for her glitter suits and feather boas,who would perform daring acts. Fanny also spat fire and swung from a trapeze above the dance floor. “I could only think what would happen if she fell. But the audience didn’t get enough of it.”
The disco also attracted its fair share of celebrities, adding to its allure and prestige. Jean-Pierre van Rossem was a frequent visitor, often seen enjoying the Boccaccio experience. Benny recalls, “I gave Jean-Pierre van Rossemen ferrari with a sticker from the disco.That attracted attention.” Other notable guests included Family actors Martine Jonckheere and Jef De Smedt, and also cyclist Eddy Planckaert, who even occasionally worked behind the bar alongside Jean-Marie Pfaff.
I gave Jean-Pierre van rossemen ferrari with a sticker from the disco. That attracted attention
Benny Strouven
Operator Boccaccio East
Police Visits and Parking Solutions: Managing the Chaos
Even the local police were known to frequent Boccaccio, albeit discreetly, highlighting the disco’s integration into the local community. “I have always worked well with the police,” says Benny.“they parked their combi at the back of the building and arrived through the back door. Then they drank some beers, hidden in a corner behind the coffee machine so that they would not stand out too much. If they received a call, they left again.”
the disco’s immense popularity led to important parking issues, with around 2,000 partygoers descending on Halen each week. Benny devised a creative solution to manage the influx of vehicles: “I hired the street at night as a parking lot.Seven security guards led the traffic in the right direction and people got Jetons with which they could enter the disco. there was no more nuisance and we even won a prize for safety and prevention.”
Boccaccio East: The Legacy Continues
Today, the disco operates under its third name: Boccaccio East, continuing the legacy of its predecessors. “We were closed during Corona, but since October 2022 we are open again,” says Benny. “Now we organize an event like the Big Reunion on Saturday. I don’t think about stopping yet. I can’t sit still,so let me do this for a few years.” The spirit of Boccaccio lives on, promising more legendary nights in Halen, Belgium.
Beyond the Beats: Unmasking the Legendary Boccaccio Disco’s Wild Ride
Did you know a Belgian nightclub once attracted F-16 fighter jets due to a mass UFO scare? That’s just one chapter in the incredible story of Boccaccio Disco, a Halen institution that defied expectations and redefined nightlife. Let’s delve into its history with nightlife historian and cultural anthropologist, Dr. Anya Petrova.
World-Today-News.com: Dr. Petrova, boccaccio Disco in Halen, Belgium, is more than just a nightclub; it’s a cultural phenomenon. What makes its history so unique?
Dr. Petrova: Absolutely. boccaccio’s story is a fascinating case study in entrepreneurial spirit,unconventional marketing,and the power of embodying a distinct nightlife brand. From its humble beginnings as a repurposed landfill to its evolution through several names and iconic events, the club’s journey reflects a larger narrative about Belgian cultural identity and the evolution of nightlife entertainment. The key is its relentless embrace of the unexpected, whether it was laser shows mistaken for UFOs or live tigers at the entrance. This willingness to push boundaries, to consistently create a sense of spectacle and excitement, is what set it apart.
World-today-News.com: The “UFO incident” of 1989 is legendary. Can you elaborate on its impact on the disco’s trajectory?
Dr. Petrova: the incident, sparked by powerful skytracer lights misinterpreted as UFOs, is a prime example of how a crisis can become a marketing opportunity.The resulting media frenzy, including F-16 deployments, created immense publicity. This unintended consequence dramatically boosted the club’s popularity, showcasing the power of unexpected publicity, even when it initially appears negative. It highlights the importance of unconventional marketing and turning unforeseen events to one’s advantage.The story demonstrates that effective publicity can indeed come from almost any angle, even seemingly disastrous ones.
world-Today-News.com: The nightclub changed names several times, starting as Pharaoh. What was the significance of the transition to Boccaccio and how did it impact the club’s identity?
Dr. Petrova: The name change to boccaccio was a strategic move. While Pharaoh had established a loyal following, Benny Strouven saw the potential of acquiring a name already associated with a legacy of hedonism and excitement, despite its previous association with drug use. This demonstrates the importance of strategic branding and capitalizing on established reputations, even those with negative connotations. By associating itself with the Boccaccio name, the club leveraged pre-existent imagery of a debauched lifestyle, and in doing so, forged a new identity while retaining the core essence of its rebellious brand.
World-Today-News.com: The story mentions live tigers at the entrance! What does this say about Boccaccio’s marketing strategy?
Dr. Petrova: The tigers represent Boccaccio’s extreme approach to marketing. This attention-grabbing stunt perfectly encapsulates the club’s willingness to take risks and create unforgettable experiences. While possibly ethically controversial, it generated important buzz highlighting their willingness to embrace unusual, even potentially hazardous, tactics if they guaranteed an explosion of publicity. It’s a bold strategy, one that underscores the need for carefully considering potential ramifications alongside the potential rewards of extreme marketing approaches.
World-Today-News.com: How did boccaccio cultivate such a unique and inclusive atmosphere?
Dr. Petrova: Boccaccio fostered an atmosphere of inclusivity – a vibrant mix of personalities. The club welcomed and showcased a diverse clientele, embracing those often marginalized in other social settings, creating a safe space, a feeling of acceptance, something not always found in clubs of that era. This unconventional approach to clientele attracted a large, loyal customer base and cemented Boccaccio’s image as a unique and welcoming establishment. they embraced diversity and celebrated the differences within their audience.
World-Today-News.com: What lessons can modern nightclub owners learn from Boccaccio’s success?
Dr. Petrova: Boccaccio’s story offers several valuable lessons for modern nightclub owners:
Embrace the unexpected: don’t be afraid to take risks and experiment with unconventional approaches to marketing and entertainment.
Build a strong brand identity: Create a unique and memorable brand that resonates with your target audience.
Foster an inclusive atmosphere: Welcome and celebrate diversity within your clientele.
adapt and evolve: The nightclub’s name changes exemplify the importance of adjusting to changing market trends.
* Be prepared for crises: Even negative publicity can be spun into a marketing advantage.
World-Today-News.com: thank you, Dr. Petrova.This has been a fascinating insight into the wild and wonderful world of Boccaccio Disco.
dr. Petrova: My pleasure. The story of Boccaccio serves as a compelling reminder that the most memorable experiences often arise from embracing the unexpected and celebrating individuality.
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