Ravers criticized for bringing Trump totem into Escape festival

Numerous electronic music fans have expressed outrage on social media after ravers brought a Trump totem to Escape Halloween.

A vigorous debate has erupted over whether rave culture’s emblematic mantra “PLUR” holds space for outspoken conservative individuals.  This controversy comes in the wake of a viral TikTok where ravers brought a Trump campaign totem to Escape Halloween.

As the video made its way to X (formerly Twitter), users on both sides were far from shy about voicing their thoughts. One user commented, “Make it make sense. PLUR and Trump are not even close to the same.” To prove his point, he notes the hypocrisy of “bring[ing] a totem that instills fear and hate and reality back into the fantasy.”

Organized by Insomniac, Escape Halloween has captivated audiences since its debut in 2011. Set in the San Bernardino’s NOS Event Center, it takes place annually on the weekend before Halloween. Thus, it transports attendees to a world of themed stages, spine-chilling walk-through mazes, vibrant art galleries, and costumed performers.

Escape Halloween showcases nearly every sub-genre across the gambit, including EDM, house, electro house, drum and bass, and techno. The festival features multiple themed stages, each a testament to its dedication to a spirit of unity and inclusivity. Given its location in a primarily liberal state and strong commitment to social causes, this incident has clearly provoked strong reactions.

Given its location in a primarily liberal state and strong commitment to social causes, this incident has clearly provoked strong reactions. The originators of the video have defended themselves by saying that “over 250+ people… [took] photos and [got] excited seeing it.” Furthermore, they have asserted that “[t]he love was far greater than the people upset.”

While free speech is at the core of American values, many believe that the notion has gone too far.  As the fate of the 2024 election hangs in the balance, people within and outside of the rave community will certainly continue to discuss this topic. One can only hope that this sort of animosity will not continue to cloud the everyday rave scene.

Featured Image: Google/Insomniac