For the young generation in Southern California, Halloween isn’t just a one night celebration; it is spread out for a couple of weeks. From decorating the home to choosing the perfect costume, the occasion is fun for many.
There are a wide range of fall festivities to participate in, harvest festivals, haunted mazes, special showings of horror movies in theatres and trick-or-treating spotlight the wide range of characters and costumes. Last year, the psychology department set up a haunted asylum attraction on campus. This year they will follow up with a zombie-filled department.
Off-campus, theme parks like Knott’s Berry Farm and Universal Studios Hollywood transform into scary attractions filled with horror. This is meant for a particular audience that is into Halloween for the fright.
For another audience, dancing is the plan for this season. Halloween is one of the holidays where the rave scene goes all out. Spring break events don’t necessarily celebrate Easter, and summer raves aren’t particularly thrown for a holiday event. Many Electronic Dance Music (EDM) lovers follow these raves around California as if they were following a band’s tour. Whether it be in March or August, these committed music lovers dress up in something different than their everyday clothing.
Sounds a lot like our annual Halloween traditions, huh? EDM enthusiasts go all out for festivals throughout the year but go the extra mile to stand out for this particular holiday. Going to a rave that is not Halloween-themed may not look any different than college parties. This season is for those dedicated attendees to show off their best rave outfits.
Southern California is a hot spot for these music festivals where people come from around the state to attend. Escape from Wonderland is held in San Bernadino at the NOS Events Center. To decipher the event from other festivals, there will be mazes, horror art installations and three haunted houses. This event attracts EDM lovers as well as horror lovers.
In Los Angeles, there is HARD Haunted Mansion’s Day of the Dead. This festival is focused more on the Dia de los Muertos side of Halloween and not about glitzy and flashy glamour. This event is held Nov. 3, the Saturday after Halloween.
Monster Massive was once a very popular Halloween rave until 2010 when 40 people were arrested and 16 were hospitalized. The following year, the event was cancelled last minute, but thankfully most were reimbursed for tickets. This year, the event is the same day as Escape from Wonderland, at Downtown Los Angeles Center Studios.
Whether it be trick-or-treating or raving, be safe this Halloween. EDM enthusiasts, you’ve had plenty of practice dressing up don’t fall short on the day it counts.
Krista Brooks is a junior journalism major and the assistant opinions editor for the Daily 49er.