These days everyone has heard of the popular trend of attending music festivals. Whether you are into rock, electronic, hip-hop, or country there is some sort of fest out there just for you! While the popularity of such events has only begun growing in the past few years for the millennial generation, this is not a new concept.

(photo by Bryce Vaquera)

In fact, this idea of large gatherings, celebrating music, art, and togetherness originated from almost 50 years ago! In 1969 the infamous Woodstock took place in New Bethels, New York. While some mistake this event as nothing other than a stereotypical hippy festival, it was truly so much more.

Not only did this event bring together a tremendous amount of people from various backgrounds in a celebration of life and freedom, it was also a large political rebellion. During this time period, the outbreak of war was a devastating catastrophe that left people depressed and families broken. This event was a protest for peace and love all across the land.

It is important to not forget this message as we continue to grow as a nation filled with music festivals.Much like during the time of Woodstock, the United States is currently in a state of crisis. People are dying in the streets, terrorist attacks have people worried about war and literally fearful in their daily lives, and equality for all is still a work in progress.

During this time period, women were fighting for equality much like many minorities still are today. While we have come along way in almost 50 years now, there is still room for improvement. The double standards that most minorities deal with on a daily basis are extraordinary. Yet, at music festivals, all judgments are off. Not only for women, but for men, blacks, whites, browns, and “aliens” as well.

(photo by Derek Redmond and Paul Campbell)

The culture revolving around these festivals encourages creativity, togetherness, and freedom of expression. From choice of clothing (or sometimes even, lack thereof) to the choice of music, the way we move, or the signs we choose to march around with, we are all creating an individual look for ourselves.

With the upcoming elections, I have seen people protesting and expressing their political standpoints in a peaceful manner. This idea originated from the hippies of Woodstock. Although other large music festivals were in existence before Woodstock, this was the first time it was broadcasted in the news and media for large audiences across the country. Before this, such behaviors, or signs of rebelling were extremely rare and oftentimes looked down upon.

Festivals have opened up a whole new world of art. While attending we all have our favorite artists and bands we are dying to see, but we’re also exposed to new genres. Being submerged into this utopian like society for a weekend has even been scientifically proven to improve one’s happiness and overall well-being.

It is important to note that the commonality between all of these trends is the idea of peacefully being yourself as we expand our minds and become more open minded to those around us, despite our differences. This sense of coming together and being apart of something so pure and fun allows for a weekend full of fun, and memories and life lessons that will last a lifetime.

I truly believe that if everyone were to experience at least one festival that his or her mindset would change for the better and with it, a better world would come about.

(photo by Bill Biesboer)