Is our collective love for festivals rooted in our innate tribal instincts?

The number of people attending festivals each year has been growing at a considerable rate over the last few decades. Millennials, in particular, are renowned for being frequent festival goers, often described as a generation of experience seekers. But what exactly is it that brings us together in our collective love for festivals, and could it be linked to our innate tribal instincts?

If you've experienced a music festival before, you will be familiar with the exhilarating rush that comes when you arrive on day one. You step onto the muddy field with your tent, wellies, and buckets of glitter in tow, take a deep breath and start to feel the buzz of infectious and carefree energy, giddy for what’s ahead. 

Festivals offer the full package of a magical experience - an escape from the real world, a gathering of kindred spirits, a communal space for individual expression, music and art, delicious food and so much more. It is easy to see how all of these aspects of festivals are very much rooted in tribal culture and ceremonial tradition. Could this be why we feel so drawn to them? 

Let’s explore this further.

Community + Belonging

In the past, living in small villages or tribal communities was much more common, and these settings fostered a strong sense of community and unity. Today, however, we live in a highly individualistic society and as a result, we are lonelier than ever. In the post-lockdown age of the smartphone, we are all yearning for genuine human connection and a feeling of belonging. 

Without a doubt one of the most appealing aspects of festivals is this sense of belonging and social cohesion, reminiscent of tribal communities. A space where people from diverse backgrounds can come together and foster a sense of collective identity. As you receive another thumbs up from the passer by in a matching band tee, you can’t help but feel a sense of pride and inclusion. 

In tribes, it is very important to reinforce these social bonds for resilience, stability and even survival. 

 

Rituals + Traditions

In tribal communities worldwide, ceremonial traditions like dances, chants, storytelling, circles, and plant medicine are deeply rooted in cultural significance. Today, we see these elements reflected in modern festivals. With the growing digitalisation, there is a much stronger need to experience something like this together - human to human. 

The stone circle at Glastonbury is a prime example. Many ancient stone circles were constructed in alignment with the sun and moon, serving as sites for ceremonies, worship and healing. At Glastonbury, the Stone Circle is a popular gathering spot for watching sunrise. It offers a distinctly 'tribal' experience, featuring drummers and fire performers. It is renowned as a very special and spiritual place.

Individuality + Expression

Similar to what you'd encounter at your beloved festival, expression through music and dance, visual arts, and clothing and adornments is typical to the way of life in numerous tribal communities.

Glitter, sequins, and feather headdresses have become iconic elements of 'festival style,' celebrated as not only a trendy fashion statement, but also a means of expressing creativity and individuality within an accepting space, reminiscent of tribal traditions. 

Throughout history, humans have always been inclined to immerse themselves in states of euphoria and chaos. The primal in us tends to crave an outlet to express our innate ‘wild’ energy, and festivals provide a safe container to do so. Without such release, this energy can potentially manifest in destructive ways, both inwardly and outwardly. 

Spiritual + Emotional Connection 

Being at a festival can feel like a powerful emotional and sometimes spiritual experience. The collective energy of the crowd, combined with the loud live music, creates a feeling of transcendence and unity, similar to spiritual experiences in tribal ceremonies. 

In our increasingly secular society, with fewer visits to traditional religious spaces like churches, the quest for this feeling and connection is evident at festivals. Festivals often echo religious rituals, possessing an undeniable sacred aspect. As the crowd raises their arms in worship, the DJ or artist assumes the role of a priest, and the stage serves as an altar.

With your favourite song blasting and your arms around your best friends, it's liberating to have the space to express the emotions that music evokes in us, without inhibition. Being surrounded by others doing the same fosters a sense of emotional connection that humans deeply desire.

Festivals can also serve as opportunities for healing and well-being, with many now offering dedicated healing areas that provide access to yoga, meditation, breath work, ecstatic dance and more. In fact, there are now a number of festivals dedicated solely to health and wellness. Retreats have also become extremely popular because they provide a dedicated time and space for escape and focus on healing.

Create your own festival at home

If festivals aren't your thing but you still want to tap into your tribal spirit, here are some ways to bring the festival vibe to you:

• Gather around a fire pit with friends (safely!) and create your own ritualistic ceremony 
• Find your tribe in your local community by attending classes such as choir or dance
• Try ecstatic dance - a powerful outlet for our inner wild, primal energy 
• Attend a concert 

 

 

If you have any festivals planned for this summer, we encourage you to tap into your primal energy and fully immerse yourself in the 'tribal' experience. This way, you'll leave with a feeling of liberation, joy, connection - making the sore feet and weary eyes oh so worth it.

Catch us at..

• Wilderness Festival (1-4 Aug)
• Spa Fest (10-12 Sept)