One of the world’s biggest electronic music festivals, Ultra, returned to downtown Miami’s Bayfront Park this past weekend for its 26th edition.
Some local businesses argue the event generates revenue and popularity for the city. However, other residents say it may disturb their daily routine and sleep.
Heavy traffic and the high music volumes until late hours are among the regularly discussed debates between the city and its residents.
“It’s a bit chaotic,” said Gilio Aviles, a 3-year Downtown Miami resident. “So it can really disturb the residents who live in the area.”
The debate raises even bigger questions during this edition, as the festival’s contract with the City of Miami is valid until May 2027. City commissioners, however, are scheduled to vote on April 23 for a possible 20-year extension of the contract (10-year term with a 10-year option).
James Torres is the president of the Downtown Neighbors Alliance, a nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights of downtown residents. He believes the city and Ultra need to work together to limit disruption.
“This not only impacts this downtown, but it’s also the city of Miami and the county,” said Torres.
