What is a Rave?

"In simple terms, a rave is a social event, a phenomenon of modern youth culture. In most cases a rave is a dance party in which the participants experience a sense of community and elevated consciousness through the hearing of music and responding to the music through


You can find the Techno Music and Raves FAQ at www.hyperreal.org



What is a rave/party/event?

A rave generally has the following elements:
However, there can be little agreement between participants and members of the techno community as to which parties are really raves and which are not. Some may have the elements listed above but been viewed as too commercial. For others, if it is legal event, it is not truly a rave. For others, it is only parties they enjoyed, the ones with the right vibe that make a party.

Who goes to raves and why?


Both women and men attend events. Typically high school and college, though it can go younger and older in age. Generally into alternative aspects of culture and more accepting of diversity and differences in people. Audiences tend to be of mixed races and open sexual orientations.


Those who go because of the music and to dance
those who go because it’s trendy - being part of the new scene
those who go for the drugs
those who go to socialize and to be seen.
Those who go to escape from the mundane world