Full Circle Digital Magazine October 2013 | Page 9

F U L L C I R C L E F E AT U R E • F E S T I VA L J U N K I E S
from trees, and with lighting and special
effects to enhance the ambience, it is
easy to slip away into a happy place, far
removed from the frustrations of day to
day life. Social groups start to form and
grow until in time, there is a massive
unconscious decision to conform to a new
set of social norms, leading to behaviour
of lowered inhibitions, with or without
the enhancement of alcohol and drugs.
Here the reveller can feel secure in the
knowledge that he is accepted and cared
for. A perfect environment for play!
Mankind is a creative being. With the
relaxed state of mind comes a liberating
freedom of expression. This can be seen
in the dancing, the innovative costumes,
and even in the artwork created at festivals
such as Africa Burns, where participants
create massive sculptures throughout their
stay.
Music festivals are undoubtedly a cultural
experience unlike any other. The choice
of festival you attend seems to go a long
way to reflect the type of person you are.
But the most evident seems to be that,
just like in the past, we still strive to be
part of a larger clan, wearing the wristband
long after the festival has ended, letting
everyone in the sometimes unrelenting
world know that, “I was there – I have a
clan - I have the bracelet to prove it!”

The basic human need for acceptance
is a strong motivator. Newly found
groups of friends, families with children,
and strangers stumbling into welcoming
campsites, are the norm. They engage with
people with common interests and beliefs,
and feel validated and loved. Whether
a CEO or a labourer, all are equal in the
festival utopia.
One day festivals such as Holi One,
which has taken its’ inspiration from the
Indian culture, has a strong message of
unity. All participants will arrive at the event
dressed in white, and through hours of
playfully throwing colourful powders at
each other while dancing to music, will end

the festival covered in colours from
head to toe, almost indiscernible
from each other. A countdown every
hour on the hour will see thousands
of people throwing powders in the
air, creating “an intense feeling of
Oneness!”
Music Festivals are a perfect
environment for escapism,
providing temporary relief from
the mounting stress that comes
with modern living. On entering
the fantasy world of a Trance
Festival, with revellers dressed
in flamboyant costumes,
psychedellic décor suspended

FULL CIRCLE DIGITAL MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2013

Holi Festival of Colours Berlin 2013

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