Everyone has dreamed of attending one of the best music festivals in the world, the kind we see only on television. Through the screen they look amazing, but can you imagine attending live and direct to see your favorite artists?
That’s why on many occasions we have asked ourselves, how do you live without going to a festival? It’s quite simple: you have to be very relaxed and have the ability to adapt to almost anything.
What they consist of
A music festival is a social event that usually brings together a large number of music concerts over several days. The idea is that festival-goers can spend several days enjoying live music. At these festivals, there are usually other alternative activities related to music.
Obviously, one of the most famous in history was the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
But, let’s talk a little bit about how the whole concept of festivals started. Music festivals started out as a set of celebrations in honor of the gods. Yes, the gods.
In 4500 B.C., the Egyptians held these festivals accompanied by music and dance. The Pythian Games (one of the four Panhellenic Games with those of Olympia, the Nemean Games, and the Isthmian Games) at Delphi included musical performances and may be considered among the earliest known festivals. In the Middle Ages, the festivals were organized as musical competitions that were sponsored by the guilds. Later, in 1897 the Irish music festival was held in Dublin.
Already in the 20th century, the phenomenon of music festivals has its greatest explosion during the transition between the sixties and seventies. At that time the two most historically important musical events were the Isle of Wight Festival in 1968 and Woodstock in 1969.
The Isle of Wight Festival is organized on the island of the same name (the largest island in England with 348 km² located on the south coast of the city of Southampton). The first three editions took place between 1968 and 1970, the year in which it reached its highest attendance. The event was not organized again until 2002 when it was moved to Seaclose Park.
It was a hippie congregation with rock music held from Friday, August 15 to Monday morning, August 18, 1969. It took place on a 240-acre farm in Bethel, Sullivan County, New York State.
Woodstock drew a staggering 400 – 500 thousand spectators. The organization expected 60,000, while the number of people estimated by the NYPD was 6,000, and an estimated 250,000 could not make it. Admission cost $18 for the three rainy days that turned the field into a muddy mess.
The best of the best
As we know there are several music festivals around the world. However, there are a few that have regained worldwide fame.
Lollapalooza Chicago. Known by many as Lolla, has been rated as one of the best music festivals in the world. Since 2011, editions have been organized in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Berlin, and Paris. This event takes place in the summer in the city of Chicago. With a little luck, those who attend the festival every year will be able to see their favorite artists.
Coachella. You can enjoy the best and coolest music. It gathers every year, more than 250,000 fans who want to sing to the rhythm of rock, electronic music, pop, hip hop.
Tomorrowland. It has an attendance of more than 400,000 people per year. Perfect for lovers of electronic music, house, rooftop, and hardstyle, coming to this festival will be the best decision.
Primavera Sound Fest. Held every spring in Barcelona, Spain, but also in Los Angeles, USA, and London, England, this festival is simply not to be missed.
What to do
Music festivals, from an outsider’s perspective, can seem very daunting in contrast to a normal concert, especially if it is a multi-day festival.
We feel that if going to a music festival is something you have been wanting to experience for some time, it is important to plan ahead so that you can get advance tickets.
Most festivals offer this option. In the long run, you will save money. As with other concerts, ticket prices will go up the closer you get to the event.
Going with a good group of friends makes a big difference. And, check the weather. In our experience, it’s better to be safe than sorry. So, pack that poncho and put a scarf in the bottom of your cooler to wrap around your neck when you get hot.
Since you’ll be on your feet all weekend, comfortable shoes are a must. Comfort and weather resistance are key. Have a portable charger. Invest in a portable charger. Obviously, this will save the life of your phone. They are inexpensive and perfect for charging your phone while you are inside the festival.
Once inside the festival, we feel it is important to establish a meeting point inside the festival. One thing we’ve learned over the years is that you won’t realize how thirsty you are until you pass out from dehydration.
Live in the moment!
If you are going to go to a festival, it doesn’t matter which one. Just live in the moment.
Keep your phone in your backpack, videos never come out as good as when you see them live. Definitely, dance along with a stranger jamming to your favorite song.
Don’t sweat the small stuff and enjoy the weekend for all it has to offer.
Take a few pictures to remember the day, but don’t make the whole day about taking pictures.
Festivals are a chance to be yourself and let loose for the weekend. Forget about the world outside of the festival and focus on the music and spreading positive vibes.
Music festivals are made for self-improvement and for connecting and making new friends. Know your limits and lend a hand to a friend, or stranger, in distress. Take care of each other and have a great weekend.
Some say the festival market is thriving and profitable enough to attract new entrepreneurs every year. The pessimist would say the festival scene is a bloated, hyper-competitive wasteland. The truth is somewhere in between.
Festivals with better experiences, unique culture and top-notch organizers will likely survive. They have a distinct culture, which feels like a welcoming community. Festivals allow us to escape from everyday life and feel refreshed.
