What's the definition of a rave?

Over the last few decades the word “rave” has become the subject of debate. From its earliest usage for the original hippy gatherings that occurred all over the world in the 60s, to the birth of acid house and rave culture in the 80s.

For many of you, the word is strongly connected to the roots of underground culture. Over time, though,
it has been used more loosely, as a byword for anything electronic music-related: festivals and parties of all kinds. We at Happy Tuesdays use the word a lot. But what does it really mean today?

WILD ABANDON
The original meaning of the word “rave” was to speak or act irrationally, as if delirious or insane, i.e. “rant and rave”. Later, when it was adopted by progressive cultures, it retained some of that meaning – wild abandon, letting loose or emotional release.

PROTEST AND REBELLION
The spirit of the hippy and dance music cultures of the past was rooted in protest and rebellion against social and political norms and conservative ways of being. When people get triggered by misuse of the word “rave”, it’s typically due to its appropriation of other people’s repression for commercial events that have zero trace of rave spirit.

FREEDOM
Raves in their earliest form were liberated spaces. Not only free from commodification, but operating outside of social norms. From the unity across demographics to the totally new styles of music, raves stood for freedom during times of great constraint and struggle for many people.

RAVE MEANS HOME
For so many of you, going to a rave means being accepted for who you are and fulfilling a deep human need for group belonging. You find your people and are able to express yourself without judgement.
The friendships, communities and movements that formed from raves have been “home” for millions of people worldwide.