Imagine yourself being surrounded in the middle of neon colors, furry outfits and sweaty bodies. Everyone keeps smiling at you and at first, it's kind of strange because you have no idea what's going on. You decide to just go with the flow and eventually you start smiling back at everyone too.
You start to feel the music flow through your body and your eyes can't seem to focus on just one thing, the lights are too much to handle so you eventually just close your eyes. You're standing there, eyes closed, moving to the music. Someone taps you on the shoulder and asks "Hey, are you OK?" You answer, "Yes," because you had lost track of time because the music had somehow taken control of your body.
These strangers look at you and simply smile. They offer you water and you gladly take it because you are drenched in sweat and your camelpak is empty. They start dancing and vibing with you, and in a couple of minutes, you are all laughing and jumping, really feeling the music. In the middle of it all, someone grabs your face and screams, "You are really beautiful!" or at least, something that sounds like that, you aren't really sure over the loudness of the music. You just smile and hug them.
Everyone continues to dance, in their own way. At events like this, there is no set way to dance, it is a free for all.
Suddenly, your favorite song comes on and you completely lose it. You start shedding tears from an overwhelming feeling of joy. The strangers look at you and one of them says, "Yeah I've been there." He starts laughing and all of the sudden, he just swoops you up and puts you on his shoulders.
You see the crowd at a whole different perspective, you see that everyone is smiling and laughing, hugging each other, singing the lyrics at the top of their lungs. You can't help but feel happy. It may even be the happiest you've been in years. Your favorite artist notices you on the stranger's shoulders and gives you a thumbs up. That's it, you say, I found a place where I can completely be myself, worry free, and stress-free.
At the end the night you are one hot mess, with arm fulls of "kandi" or colorful bracelets, and a new friend group that will last a lifetime. However, the night does not completely end here; you will continue to replay it in your head 1,001 times in the next few days, attempting to relive one of the best nights of your life.
I think this is what the hype is all about. At raves, or music festivals, you indeed meet the greatest people. The environment you are put in makes you so much closer to everyone around you, and not just because you are all probably pressed against each other.
You are able to let loose, you are able to forget about all the worries of school, work, life, and for maybe only a couple of hours; you are able to be free. This is the reason the rave culture keeps growing because people who may in some instances feel like outcasts, are able to find "families" that they relate to through wonderful music and interests.
Spread PLUR everyone! Party safe, and always remember to stay hydrated.
