What is Rave Culture?

When I walked towards the main entrance of the party, I could feel the pulsating beats within me. The roaring sound of the crowds that were high with ‘ecstasy’ was certainly above the music decibels! As I approached the main door, I wondered whether I had done the right thing! The nightlife in Goa, India was always talked about all over the world and this was something that I was never able to figure out though I have been a localite out here. I could hear the faint roar of the sea and it was as if a word of warning for me! This was the time I had to discover all about the nightlife because I have often wondered what is rave culture all about! Somehow, my fear got the better of me and my feet led me away from the entrance area! So much for getting a feel of the rave culture! Although I never really mustered up the courage to attend rave parties, I did have a couple of friends who were into the rave culture (in areas like Anjuna and Palolem). This is probably why I have developed a curiosity to know more about the rave culture and what is it that youngsters all over the world get hooked on to such a culture. This article is not against rave culture or even in agreement with the rave culture. This piece is only about rave culture and for people who have often wondered about the origins of this culture.

What is Rave Culture all about?
The term Rave party or the rave culture originated in the 1980s. As per my knowledge, rave parties were used to describe all night parties with DJs churning out the latest tracks all through the night. At least that is what was told to me by my elders! It was only later that I realized rave culture was not just about all night parties and dancing in the moonlight by the seaside, it was also associated with drugs such as ecstasy, cocaine, ketamine and 2C-B. These parties also have a lavish display of laser lights and at times, one can see the use of artificial fog as well. In Goa, rave parties are quite synonymous with trance parties and Goa trance music is very much in demand out there, with the CDs available easily at certain beaches such as the Anjuna beach.

Way back in the 1950s, the term rave was used as a way to identify bohemian parties. This kind of rave culture depicted the modern youth and their wild partying. Many music groups used the term rave, in the early years but thereon; the term disappeared from the scene. This term was only revived in the 1980s. This was the time when most youths started following the rave culture.

The earliest of the rave parties that reflected rave culture were known as Acid House Summers. These parties had electronic dance music as well as psychedelic music. Warehouse parties started catching on and people thronged to be a part of the rave culture. This rave culture did invite strong objections from others. Politicians expressed their disgust for such a culture and parties as well. There was strong resistance in the UK. This rave culture grew in popularity in Montreal, Chicago, LA and even San Francisco.

Rave parties and the rave culture thus slowly spread the world over. Enthusiastic ‘ravers’ joined such meets regularly. Laws were passed to stop such illegal parties. Continental Europe witnessed scenarios where in electronic music was considered as a competition for rock and roll music. In Australia, raves were also known as dance parties. These parties had fashion as an important focus and one could see designer wear worn by the dancers who performed out here. South Africa saw its first large Johannesburg rave party in the early 1992. This rave party was held in Yeoville inside an old cinema house.

In the US, the popularity of the rave culture hugely caught on. This rave culture was associated with certain theories to project it in a different light. The rave culture was associated with factors that said to promote peace, love and responsibility. This was possibly done simply because rave parties were associated with drugs. Although, it has never been the norm to use drugs at such parties, this misconception exists largely due to the presence of people who are completely into drugs.

Hard core ravers therefore have faced the axe often for this association of drugs with raves. This is because the rave culture got a reputation for promoting drugs. This culture was therefore found to be on similar lines with the hippy culture. Therefore in US, most rave parties are probably publicized by word of mouth rather than advertising for the same. Silent rave parties also caught on where people gathered together but used their headphones to listen to music yet dance together. Such rave parties were held without the presence of audible music.

If it wasn’t for the use of drugs, the rave culture has had me curious ever since I probably heard about it years back in Goa. Rave culture definitely exists in the society albeit it may not be really legalized in most parts of the world. Let us only hope that people get high on music instead of drugs. That is only when any party would really be hip and happening in every sense!

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