How raving has always been about protest

There’s no doubt that raving has always had a protest element to it. It goes way back to the earliest days of clandestine gatherings, where those on the fringes of society would get together to party free from judgement.

Whether it was conscious or not, the act of creating safe spaces, getting together and forming communities away from mainstream society was a form of resistance. Here’s why raving has always been about protest…

IT’S A WAY TO RESIST OPPRESSION

Over generations, the authorities have always tried to quash social movements where people come together and unite. By raving, you resist this oppression and create spaces where you can gather, unite, exchange ideas and experiences and facilitate social cohesion.

PLUR IS THE ANTITHESIS OF WAR

Around the world, governments continue to create division, attacking other nations and perpetuating hate-fueled activity. When you embrace the original ethos of Peace, Love, Unity and Respect, you embody a way of being that counteracts the war machine.

RAVES ARE LARGELY PROGRESSIVE

Inclusivity, freedom of expression, equality… These are all ideals that are about taking humanity forward and cultivating a more harmonious society. By dancing as one, you perpetuate the progressive ethos of rave culture.

RAVES CAN FACILITATE SOCIAL CHANGE

Over the last few decades it’s been clear that rave culture can act as a driver for positive social change. Whether that be through the transformative experiences people have while dancing together, or the impact on peoples’ perspectives, they can be places of pivotal change.