What is free parties?

Free parties, also known as rave parties, do not charge an entrance fee for attendees to enter. Instead, they rely on donations and contributions from participants, often through a barter system or selling refreshments. These events are usually held in abandoned buildings, fields, forests, or other outdoor locations.

Free parties have their roots in the underground music culture of the 1980s and 1990s, and are known for their energetic and diverse music, including genres like techno, house, drum and bass, and trance. They often feature elaborate sound systems, light shows, and other forms of artistic expression.

Although free parties are often associated with drug use and illegal activity, many organizers stress the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment, with harm reduction initiatives and trained security staff. Despite this, free parties often face opposition from local authorities, and can be shut down by police or other law enforcement agencies.

Free parties continue to be a popular form of counter-cultural expression and a space for alternative forms of self-expression and community-building.