ORGANIZED SPEED DATING, PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO MEET SINGLES
- 11/11/2023
- PRESS
ORGANIZED SPEED DATING, PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO MEET SINGLES
By Miriam López
Last May, single individuals in Vitoria seeking to find their significant other were in luck. Specifically, from the 8th to the 12th, a Speed Dating event took place in the dedicated event space, Ondo Pasa. Each day was dedicated to a specific age group, with a price of €25 per person, including a drink. This type of event still needs a boost in the city, as highlighted by the promoter of the organizing company, Lonoti, Jérémy Morin, who mentioned that during the 5 days, 40 people attended, half the number observed in other locations like San Sebastián or Bilbao, "where there is more interest". Therefore, in the capital of Álava, "I don't know if we will come back. People are more reserved; there is a different mentality". Due to the lower turnout than usual, attendees had double the time (12 minutes instead of 6) to get to know the person of the opposite sex in front of them. The promoter emphasizes that those who decided to attend "had a great time", and there has already been interest from several candidates. Specifically, the process involves candidates sending an email the next day indicating whom they would like to see again, and if the other person agrees, the company takes care of providing their contacts.
This isn't the first time such initiatives have been organized in the city. For example, in 2016, Soniare Events organized three sessions at the Zabala restaurant with the aim of creating "a healthy, fun, original, and, above all, real evening with a group of people of similar age living nearby. It's a straightforward dynamic. Single boys and girls rotate so that all boys meet all girls and vice versa. Each encounter lasts 5 minutes, just enough time to determine if there is an interest in getting to know that person further". The event sold out. Likewise, in 2017, the El Caserón restaurant (currently closed) held a "singles party" with dinner and dancing. Also, last June, the Mítika nightclub organized a "single night" that included a drink, the raffle of erotic items, and available VIP areas.
Regarding whether more events of this kind should be held in the city, the drag artist La Polaka highlights that "here, we all know each other, and it makes us a bit shy. Things are being done, but tentatively". On the other hand, sexologist and psychologist Aitziber Argote notes, "I find it curious and interesting that such proposals are being made because here, we are not accustomed, and more analog spaces are needed to meet people".
