P.L.U.R ON!

Bright colours, dark looks and above all the need to dance until you can't move are just a few of the characteristics that comprise the the local rave scene. There are many different "classifications" of ravers in the approxiamate area of the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. Rave culture in itself is something that allows people to be individuals and follow their own style. That is one of the main ideals of the people who participate. But there are some basic classifications of groups in this culture. The picture to the right of your screen are two differing examples of this group.The girl on the far right would be classified as a "Goth" raver. Goth ravers are not society's view of what "Goth". Goth ravers are just ravers that dress in black and are more "intense" than the the other groups. They have their own attitude and arent as inviting as Candy ravers. The girl to your close right is an example of a Candy raver. A more vivid example is the picture below.


This is a great example of what a Candy Raver generally dresses like. This is the type of raver that the label "Candy Kid" comes from. This is the most common type of raver in this local sub culture. They are also the more friendlier and accepting of the larger group. The third most common group is as my friend calls it "Hippy Sliders". This is the dreadheaded hippy type that participate in the rave scene. And like most hippies they are down to earth people who enjoy the rave scene. The boys of this group can generally be scene dancing around barechested in all their dreadlock glory. The way that ravers dance is also part of a classification. Everyone has their own style but there are definitely names for certain dance moves or styles. There are more styles than time to classify. Every dance move is subjective to the individual dancing.

There is no age limit to people that participate in this culture. There are no restrictions that are put up in that regard. However, the age range for the majority of ravers seems to be 15-20ish range. The style of dress and freedom of expression seems to have more of a connection for younger people.This is something that is definitely part of the local cultures uniqueness. In the United Kingdom rave scene it is primarily made up of people over 20 according to a Dj I talked with. He travels around the world to Dj at raves. This difference in age sets the local scene apart from most.

Dancing and socializing with people is the main purpose of this culture. It is also an expressive art in regards to dress code. The people that participate in this culture have a strong identity about their fasion. There are no taboos, just the idea that it should be fun and somewhat interesting. Getting ready for a rave can take quite awhile depending on the person. A lot of the participants make their own clothing.
The girls in this picture to your right made their own clothing. The "pink" outfit on the left is made primarily from ruffles glued onto a pair of pants and the rest is feathers. This is a good example of how creative this culture allows people to be. The other girl in the picture has more simplistic clothing that she has modified. The fashion has no rules which leaves an open forum for the people who dont put time into creating something as well as the people who want to put that time in.

The only value system that is followd in rave culture is the idea of P.L.U.R. Peace, Love, Unity and Respect are the ideologies that rave culture promotes. There is not real exclusion from rave culture unless you are someone who is deemed to not follow these rules. It is important at raves to follow this because it's a creative enviroment. It is about having fun, and respecting others. This means common sense is important. Rave etiquette is simply not doing stupid things. An example would be breaking glass on the dance floor or taking up too much space on the dance floor. Sitting on the dance floor is also discouraged.

At your first rave you would be easily identified because you wouldnt know the dances and all the little details about rave life. Therefore, you would be called a "virgin" raver. It is common that a Candy raver gives a virgin raver a gift of some kind at their first rave. This gift could be anything from a colourful plastic bead bracelet to a sucker.

This culture is inclusive to most people. There is no real skill or technical need to participate. There are a lot of dances and different styles. It is up to the individualvto learn and figgure out what their own style is. There are a few exceptions to this inclusion. In some cases a promoter who is hosting a show will have one location you go to, and when you arrive you are given the real location of the rave. If you are someone who is rude, or just doesnt seem to fit into the promoters idea of who they want at the the rave, they will give the person a false location of the rave. This is not something that happens a lot, but does happen on occassion. For instance if you are finding out the location and you are being rude to the person giving out the location, you will most likely be sent to the middle of an empty field.

There is no media or technology needed by participants. The promoter of the rave is responsible for all the equipment and booking Dj's for the event. Transportation is the only thing that a raver needs to be sure of because if a location changes then there is a need to go to a possibly remote location.

The hierarchies are few in the rave scene. Obviously the promoter of the show has the most power. He or she can make sure you dont get into their rave. On the other hand if they like you, you can get into them for free. Nine out of every ten people you meet will be great, it is like any other culture. The common connection is the dancing and fun that everyone wants to participate in equally.Security is provided by the promoter of the rave so it is a safe environment. At larger venues there is usually a bag or coat check available.


One of the most artistic parts of a rave is the flyer that advertises a rave. The flyer is one of the most important parts of rave culture. It is the medium that draws in the participant. Raves are advertised in three ways. Flyers, the internet and word of mouth. The flyer has to encompass the whole idea of the rave theme. It has to be visually pleasing while providing vital information to the particpants. The location of the event, the Dj's who will be playing and of course the cost of the event are all listed on these small pieces of art work.

The only threat to rave culture is the populariztion of it through mass media. It is this twisted perception of rave culture that is ruining its uniqueness and making it cliche. There are bad stereotypes of a drug induced trance that all ravers live by. Which is not the case at all. Any raver will tell you that its only a small percentage of people that are into the drug scene. It is the unity of raving and the attitude of exceptance that makes this culture so appealing. In making it into something that has a "pop culture" niche has already created a change in rave culture. It is no longer free as it was in the beginning. It can cost up to 40 dollars for one event where as it used to cost nothing or a pittance of 5 dollars per event.

The capitalism of our society and the greed of promoters is the main threat to rave culture. The excuse of paying Dj's to come is the most common justification for high prices. But anyone who knows about the promoting of raves also is aware of how you can make thousands of dollars from one event. An acquintance of mine once suggested that if I needed quick cash I should get a bank loan and host a rave. The loan would easily be paid back and then I would have a large amount of capital. This the mentality that the ideal of P.L.U.R gets lost amidst.


Regardless of the outer forces, the core of rave culture will always exist in the minds of its participants. Meeting new people and being part of this vibrant community is an amazing way to spend your time. The true ravers will always rave on, the ideals will always remain, P.L.U.R.