Modern Attitudes Towards Rave Culture in Dublin City

The streets are bustling with people in costumes. The bars are packed, and the lines for popular clubs are almost unbelievable. The party scene in Dublin is vibrant tonight, and one subculture is equally as active for the spooky holiday. Techno raves have been a staple in the underground party scene in Ireland since the '80s. But what do the modern attitudes of rave culture look like today?

I headed to Pawn Shop, who was hosting a techno party in their basement. The dance floor was packed with moving bodies and strobe lights. Spirits were high and lighthearted with people in halloween makeup and masks. 

 Outside in the smoking area I met two women, Nicole and Anne Marie. They were dressed up as a goth cat and a goth bride. Anne Marie had been to a few Irish raves, but expressed how raves in other countries were better than the ones here in Ireland. She added that there were not enough raves happening on a regular basis. 

Waiting outside in an alley close to the George, there was Aodh and Sam. Moments before, I had spoken to their friend, but she whisked away into a cab headed for an illegal rave. Sam and Aodh had never been to a rave but were going to their first one later that night. They said how the demand for raves is there, but accessibility is not easy. Most people don't know when events are happening. They were excited,  but also nervous about safety at the rave, they were hoping for adequate safeguarding measures. 

In an article by The University Observer, UCD DJ collective member and co-president Billy Menelaou and Harry McLaughlin discussed their views on rave culture. There is the presumption that rave culture is drug fueled and daunting, however they highlighted how it is a safe space for creative freedom and self expression. 

DJ Pelé, a member of the 3rd Rail collective, has been a DJ for the past two years. He described the rave scene as, “It's like a big family…everyone looks out for each other”. In efforts to keep a safe atmosphere, organizers are mindful of who attends these parties. 

Pelé said, "That's what goes through the heads of organizers when they are planning an event. Is it going to be safe for everyone? You need to be certain it is going to be safe, if it isn't you are going to tarnish your reputation. You need to be careful on who you are bringing.” 

He explained how a party's quality depended on who was organizing them. Each collective puts different effort into their events and have different ideas on what they want their raves to be.

Pelé said that Irish raves allow for people to be themselves, unlike his experience at other raves in different countries. He emphasized how everyone is there to have a great time, and let emotions out on the dance floor. 

Written by Maria Wolfer (@hangyourferns)

Edited by Alex Kelleher (@alex_kelleher_)