raving

Raving refers to participation in electronic dance music (EDM)–driven parties that are often all-night or extended, featuring a focus on dancing, immersive lighting, and a sense of community on the dance floor. Raves typically showcase DJs or live acts performing genres such as techno, house, trance, drum and bass, or dubstep, accompanied by elaborate light shows, lasers, fog effects, and visual art. Attendees commonly wear expressive outfits and accessories like glow sticks and kandi bracelets, and the culture often emphasizes a spirit of PLUR—Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect.

Origins of raving trace to the 1980s in the United Kingdom and the United States, where illegal warehouse parties and early club nights highlighted acid house and emerging techno sounds. The scene spread across Europe, North America, and beyond during the 1990s, frequently operating outside licensing frameworks. Over time, many raves evolved into licensed festivals with formal safety measures, venue controls, and corporate sponsorships, while others retained an underground or independent character.

Culturally, raving has been associated with a DIY ethos, collaborative art, and community practices such as trading kandi and participating in collective stage art. The social emphasis is on shared experience and inclusivity, though issues related to crowd safety and drug use have been persistent concerns.

Safety and regulation have become central to the modern scene. Larger events typically include hydration stations, medical tents, security, and crowd management. Drug use, particularly MDMA, has contributed to health risks and legal issues, prompting harm-reduction efforts, on-site information, and targeted health services. Many jurisdictions regulate raves through licensing, noise limits, and permit requirements, influencing how events are organized and held.