What I Learned From My First Festival To Now

From my first festival to now, I have grown in so many ways. Spiritually, I have confidence in my ideas and the ways I feel. My love of self and others has bloomed.

Festival vibes gave me a level of understanding that changed the overall perception I have on life. 

It all began when my friend called me, knowing I’m that spontaneous friend who might just drop everything and go to Miami Music Week with her. It was March 2015, and I was 20 years old. I quickly packed my bags and talked with friends discovering that more and more people I know were going to be attending Ultra as well.

After doing my research and seeing the pictures, I finally made the decision to buy a ticket.

I Packed Like A Newbie

I packed my entire rave drawer -leg wraps, bras, crop tops, kandi- the works; however, I did not pack a backpack to use at the festival, which was definitely a newbie mistake. 

In the venue, some people had breathtaking outfits that took time and creativity. Others wore t-shirts and shorts. I wore rave clothes with SANDALS and came back every day with very dirty, blister-ridden feet. Oops.

I was thankful for my experienced friends who carried my maps, band-aids, souvenirs, camel-packs with water, and ponchos. 

Lesson learned: bring a backpack with supplies and wear comfortable shoes. 

My First Camping Festival Changed My Perception On Life

I didn’t even know how to put up a tent. 

Life blessed me with my first camping festival: Counterpoint Music Festival. It changed my perception of self and others. A lot of times, I would feel uncomfortable talking to people about my abstract views on existence. The people here had ideas that made mine seem normal. I felt a sense of home, like I was where I belong. My fear of what other people think of me vanished.  

Spending three days camping for the first time in my life, with thousands of people who are spiritually attuned and all very kind, opened all three of my eyes. 

I packed my pillow and blanket, all my rave clothes, and this time a backpack and worn in shoes. 

I once again, was not fully prepared and forgot some essential camping items: water, baby wipes and a portable phone charger. 

If my roommate wasn’t a festy pro, I wouldn’t have survived this one.

I learned what I need for a festival by what I didn’t bring to this one. Lucky me, everyone was so nice, full of PLUR, and made sure I had what I needed. 

I've Moved Up To A Festy Veteran

Now, I’ve been to over 15 festivals, camping and non-camping.

The first thing I do is download the app and find a map with the schedule for when I lose service.

Sleep is vital and I bring the necessary things need to get it: pillows, blankets, a tent or hammock.

I don’t bring anything of too much value and I try to travel as lightly as possible.

I no longer bring club clothes that I won't use. I instead bring flowy pants and items comfortable to rage in. 

I’m so blessed to have had all of these experiences. It’s sparked many passions within me. I’m more loving, understanding, and even creative. There are no plans to stop any time soon. It’s been a learning experience and it took some time to get there.