If there’s one valuable lesson the rave community has taught many people, it’s the art of healing your inner child. Raving is much more than a fun weekend getaway in a field of illuminated lights and lasers; it’s a place where you can dance around freely without care if someone is watching because, the truth is, no one is watching! Everyone around you is simply enjoying their time, trading trinkets and Kandi bracelets, and creating connections in ways that wouldn’t be possible if you were in any other public setting. Raving allows you to reconnect with your inner child and nurture any wounded aspects within.
Dance Around Like a Child:
As children, we were directed by our parents and constrained from doing things such as dancing around in public settings. We were told to ‘behave yourself’ and ‘don’t act that way’, but that’s the beauty of the rave community; you can dance around in a public setting and even dance with the person next to you! You’re allowed to move freely, and the dance floor becomes the place where you shed any shyness that you may have and simply tap into the joy of enjoying the moment. We see people shuffling, head banging, and dancing around in ways that seem silly, but it makes them happy, and that’s all that matters in this community!
A new core memory of mine is from this past EDC Orlando. It was my best friend’s first-ever festival, and we were with our group of girl friends. We all held hands with one another and just started skipping in circles while Fisher played in the background. I don’t remember the last time I had felt like such a happy little kid. We looked at one another and just hugged in joy that we were able to experience this with one another, and I truly think that’s one of the most beautiful feelings. My inner child felt immensely happy and free to simply be without fear of judgment or anything.
Dancing with no care example.
Arts & Crafts:
There’s something so nostalgic about gathering with friends and making Kandi bracelets, pearlers, or any unique item to trade at festivals. Everyone gets extremely creative and brings fun trinkets such as rubber duck clips, sprout clips, custom stickers, and artist cards to share with one another. At first, I thought that the only things traded were Kandi bracelets, until I received my first rubber duck, sprout, and cat sticker. From there on, I realized that anything fun-looking could be traded, and trading truly can be a great way to make new friends. Along with this, some people spend countless hours putting together a one-of-a-kind, handmade outfit that truly allows them to express their creative side. There’s nothing more eye-catching than seeing individuals walk around in some of the most amazing outfits covered in beautiful rhinestones or vibrant colors. It’s through all of these different forms of art that ravers can let the creative part of their inner child express itself once more!
CFM x Imagine
Creating New Friendships:
The rave community is a place where everyone is accepted and supported in being their authentic selves. It’s a community where people look after one another and spread ‘Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect,’ also known as ‘PLUR’. It’s because of this that people can simply be at peace with one another and feel comfortable creating bonds that often extend beyond just that event. I will never forget my first festival where I rain into two sweet girls with the funniest totem I had ever seen. I was timid and wanted to take a picture of their totem but was scared to ask, so I took it from afar. However, one of them noticed and said to me, “Wait, look at the other side.” The truth is, I don’t remember much other than that short interaction! I thanked them for letting me take a picture and didn’t say anything else. However, later on, I saw their TikTok pop up on my For You Page, and from there, we started talking and instantly became friends! I’ve had the pleasure of creating beautiful friendships with people by simply doing things such as trading Kandi, handing out trinkets, dancing together, and even just asking for a picture of their funny totem. The shy little child that once was, has never felt so comfortable and free to simply connect with others.
The Playground:
My first festival was EDC Orlando 2022, so it’s safe to say that it holds a special place in my heart, not just because it was where it all started. During the day, Tinker Field transforms into the most beautiful and playful atmosphere, while at night, it turns into a sky full of vibrant colors and lasers that can be seen from a mile away. The excitement you feel when walking into any festival resembles the joy experienced on school field days! It’s a whole day dedicated to playing with your friends, running around without a care in the world, and simply enjoying yourself. Raving becomes a playground where everyone can rediscover the simple pleasures that once brought us endless happiness.
Raving offers a unique feeling of comfort, healing and reconnecting with our inner child. Often, we are so caught up in our day-to-day lives that we forget to do things such as dance around and be vulnerable and caring with ourselves. It’s through these different styles of EDM that we’re able to connect with individuals from all around the world and create connections that are pure and genuine. It’s through raving that I’ve been able to meet people from Canada and other parts of the world that I’m sure I would never run into anywhere else.
When people have asked me why I go to so many festivals and local raves, my honest answer is, ‘because it’s where I feel the happiest. It’s where you’re able to go and simply be yourself without any judgment from the people around you. You’re able to dress however you want, and no one will bring you down but rather encourage and uplift you. It’s a place where you really do heal your inner child.
– Katie Chicas; IG: @la.luna.sonreia