The festival community is a beautiful thing- the people, the fashion, the overall PLUR lifestyle that they live. Going to a festival or rave is so much more than just getting to dress up and listen to so awesome music, it’s about the people and the way that you feel in the crowd with hundreds of other people. Some of my favorite moments to relive are the ones of me just meeting and dancing with people in the crowd.
This week, I’m super excited about the topic we’re talking about. This was a collaboration with an amazing company in the EDM Community, The Festival Voice. If you haven’t checked them out, I highly recommend it. They’re known as the voice of the festival people and their articles put you all up in the feels, along with tons of really awesome information about festivals in general. I’m talking about what got me into this beautiful, crazy EDM world that I live in- I’m talking about PLUR. Not only the lifestyle of PLUR at festivals but how you can incorporate it into your everyday life too.
1.First and foremost- be good to your rave family.
They’re with you through it all- the late night sunrise sets, the ‘fuck this’ and ‘fuck you’s’ that always happens during campsite set up, and even just the moments when you find them in the crowd and are so hype. These moments happen- be grateful for the people you have in your life and remember, not everyone is perfect. We accept and love the people around us for their perfections and imperfections.
2. Be kind to others.
So simple- but honestly can be overlooked so easily. Festivals and raves are a safe place for people to break away from everyday reality and channel their inner ‘being’. Compliment and outfit that you like, tell someone they’re a great dancer or flow artist, or just simply help someone out if they need a little assistance. This can and should be utilized in the regular world. I believe what you put out into the universe will come back full fledge- make sure you’re putting something good out there.
3. Share the love!
Whether it’s just fanning someone off in the crowd, asking if they’re okay when they’re looking down, or just dancing with random people that look hype! Don’t be afraid to socialize and get to know other people, and let other people get to know you! Festivals and raves are one of the few places that I feel my social anxieties die away (especially my approach anxiety) and it’s a great feeling! Feel free to let loose and enjoy the time away from reality and IRL expectations. Over time, shedding those anxieties in festivals has helped me to start shedding them IRL too. Sometimes all you need is practice! So what better place to do it than at a festival or rave?
4. Always be aware of your surroundings.
Dancing, walking, flowing, moshing, or just bobbing are all amazing ways to express yourself at a festival, however, be aware of your fellow ravers around you and of yourself in general. Be sure to give yourself and everyone else enough space (respectively to where you are in the crowd).
5. Be OPEN and keep an OPEN mind.
There are so many different things to experience at an EDM event- be open to those experiences! Whether that’s sitting down for a glove show, going to sound therapy or just seeing people from all different walks of life. Give everything (and everyone) an opportunity. Expanding your horizons and understanding can only stand to breed unity and respect amongst us all.
6. Help those who are lost or just looking for new friends!
Festivals and raves alike can be big, and there are tons of people and the cell service is always bad. If you see someone who looks lonely, or if someone just comes up and seems nice and wants to dance, be open to it. I’ve met some great people while dancing in the crowd and it’s lead to friendships that have lasted long past the festival/rave where I met them at.
7. Don’t take your fellow ravers things.
If you see something on the ground or, just laying around, try and get it back to the owner. You have no idea how many times I’ve seen beautiful souls posting on festival Facebook pages looking for lost goods. But also- don’t be that asshole taking people’s stuff. Make that person’s day by returning something they lost instead! Imagine how you’d feel. Pass along the good karma.
