With a second wave invading Europe, stricter restrictions and new governmental rules, nightlife across Europe continues to exist in secret.

After Emmanuel Macron announced a new curfew of 9 p.m in the French capital and other student populated cities, people are finding creative ways to live out their 20s the best way they can. 

In a little restaurant in Saint Germain, Olivia Dasson and her four friends have found a way into an underground bar that operates until 6 a.m and is accessible to very few members of the Parisian society: “I knew someone who knew the barman and gave me the phone number and now we are here”, she says. Everyone is wearing masks, but social distancing measures are not met, people shout loudly ear to ear during conversations as the DJ increases the sound of the music. 

Up in the Baltic States, where rules are more relaxed due to a lower number of cases, Ruta Ozolina and her friends arrive at their usual bar in the city of Riga in Latvia. After a few drinks and a discussion with the barman, he tells them about an underground tunnel that leads to a secret club, “I felt like I was in a movie. I understand that it is risky and insensible of me, but you must admit the concept is cool”, says Ruta. Above the DJ, a light sign reads “Keep a two meter distance” as people dance around with their hands tied. 

Over in London, UK, a local influencer has been invited to Tape club in Mayfair via a direct message from a promoter on Instagram. As she arrived in the early hours of the night, the music could not be heard from the outside and the street was deserted. She explains that upon entering the building, their phone cameras were being covered with stickers, and no filming or photography was permitted throughout the night.

Most of these places around Europe keep running for business purposes. They explain that with such rules being put in place indefinitely, it is hard to keep up an income that satisfies their way of living. Businesses are aware that the youth needs that spontaneity and adrenaline, and that when rules are imposed, the thought of breaking them is exciting. 

Many young people have admitted that they are tired of spending their twenties watching Netflix and going for afternoon coffees, instead of wasting their energy on dance floors, bar counters and house parties like the previous generations did. However, as cases continue to rise and measures are imposed, Macron might have just admitted what many have thought but did not publicly voice: “It is hard to be 20 in 2020”.