Rave culture began in the late 1980s and early 1990s, primarily in the United Kingdom. This movement was initially linked to the acid house scene, a sub-genre of house music that was popular at the time. Raves were usually held in warehouses or other large, open venues, often in secret to avoid law enforcement due to the illicit activities often associated with the scene.

The rave culture quickly spread to other parts of Europe and then to the United States and other parts of the world. In the mid to late ’90s, the rave scene began to evolve and split into numerous sub-genres, with large raves becoming more commercialized and mainstream, while underground raves continued to thrive as well.

It’s worth noting that the concept of an all-night dance party goes back even further. For example, the disco scene of the 1970s, particularly in clubs like Studio 54 in New York, shared many characteristics with the later rave scene, including a focus on dancing, DJ-led music, and a countercultural, inclusive ethos. However, the specific culture and music of the rave scene, particularly the focus on electronic dance music, is generally considered to have begun in the late ’80s and early ’90s.

What is Raver ?

A “raver” typically refers to a person who regularly attends raves, which are high-energy, all-night dance parties that commonly feature electronic dance music (EDM). Ravers are known for their unique, often colorful attire and positive, inclusive philosophy often encapsulated in the acronym PLUR, which stands for Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect.

While the rave culture originated in the late 1980s and early 1990s, it continues to be a significant subculture within the broader EDM scene. Ravers frequently attend music festivals, underground parties, and club events, and they share a deep appreciation for EDM, dancing, and the sense of community found within these gatherings.

Also read: Five Types of Footwear That Steal the Rave Spotlight

What do people wear at raves ?

Rave Outfits can be very eclectic and varies significantly from person to person, but there are some common themes:

1. Colorful Clothing: Bright colors are very common at raves. These can include neon clothing, rainbow patterns, or even light-up clothes and accessories.
2. Comfortable Shoes: Dancing is a major part of raves, so comfortable shoes are a must. Many ravers opt for sneakers or other comfortable footwear.
3. Accessories: Ravers often wear accessories such as glow sticks, LED lights, and pacifiers. Kandi (beaded bracelets, often exchanged between ravers as a sign of friendship) is another popular accessory.
4. Costumes: Some ravers wear costumes or themed outfits, which can range from simple animal onesies to elaborate, handmade costumes.
5. Less Clothing: Because raves often get very hot due to the crowded conditions and constant dancing, it’s common for people to wear less clothing. This can range from bikini tops and shorts to shirtless men.
6. Face and Body Paint: It’s not uncommon for ravers to use face and body paint, sometimes with designs that glow under black light.
7. Unique and Personalized Attire: One of the main things about rave culture is expressing oneself, so many ravers will wear unique and personalized items that express their personality or interests.

Keep in mind that while there are common trends, there is no specific dress code for most raves, and people are generally encouraged to wear whatever makes them feel comfortable and expressive. The most important part of rave culture is the music and the sense of community, not what you’re wearing.