Festival Totems: Unleashing Creativity and Connecting in the Crowd

Music festivals are beautiful places to celebrate music, art, togetherness, and individuality. In an effort to express creativity, while also being used for practical reasons, festival totems have emerged into this culture. Festival totems are used as a way to connect with others in the crowd, create some smiles and laughs, and find friends who have separated from the group. In this post, we will cover why individuals have festival totems and different festival totem ideas to help individuals who may feel intimidated by making one. 

Jump to a specific section by clicking below: 

• The Significance of Festival Totems
• Unleashing Creativity: The Making of Festival Totems”
• Etiquette and Safety Considerations
• Building Connections Through Festival Totems
• Capturing Memories: Totems in Festival Photography
• Preserving Festival Totem Memories

The Significance of Festival Totems

Festival totems are used for a variety of reasons, some more practical than others. Whether you want to express your creativity, have an easy way to find friends, or showcase your knowledge of meme culture, totems may be for you. Below are some of the main reasons a group may bring festival totems with them to an event.

Spotting Friends and Group Members in a Crowded Festival Environment 

Being lost at a festival can be very nerve-wracking. Individuals may also want to split off for certain sets but want to meet up later in the night. Festival totems allow groups to reunite and find one another in a sea of people. 

Showcasing Personal Style and Creativity 

Not only are festival totems a great way to find friends in a crowd, but they’re an opportunity to showcase your personal style and creativity. The options are endless when making a festival totem, so brainstorm with some friends on how you can make your visions come to life!

Facilitating Connections with Like-Minded Individuals.

Whenever I see a totem that I particularly like or am interested in, I always go up to the individual or group holding it and talk to them about it. This is a great way to meet others at festivals and potentially connect over something that we have in common. 

Promoting Positive Vibes and Shared Experiences

From the first festival I attended to the one I was most recently at, totems have been present. Not only do they make people laugh and spark joy, but they promote positive energy. It’s hard to describe, but totems are ingrained in festival culture and there’s nothing quite like them that lifts spirits or become beacons of light for a lost individual. 

Unleashing Creativity: The Making of Festival Totems

When someone embarks on the journey of making festival totems, they may be stumped for where to start. In this section, we will cover a few things you should consider when looking to make festival totems. 

Choosing the right materials for durability and a lightweight design is key if you are planning on carrying around a festival totem all day. However, be sure to take into consideration elements like the wind when choosing something more lightweight. 

Deciding on a theme, message, or symbol that represents yourself and your group is very important. Are you wanting to be funny? Do you want it to be totally random or tied to an inside joke? Whatever you decide, this is a great way to let your creative side take over. 

To make a festival totem, consider sketching, painting, or using digital design tools to bring your totem to life. You may also consider adding LED lights, reflective materials, or other eye-catching elements so that your festival totem is visible at night. 

Types of Festival Totems:

There are many different types of festival totems, and some are easier to make than others. Below is a list of types of festival totems and what they may be described as. 

• Flag totems – Large flags or banners that can be easily spotted from a distance.
• Inflatable totems – Colorful and whimsical inflatable objects or inflatable animals.
• Plush totems – Oversized plush toys or characters.
• Prop totems – Props or objects that reflect your group’s interests or theme.
• DIY Totems – Unique creations made from repurposed or upcycled materials. Like the below teacher’s pointer and solar light cube!

Etiquette and Safety Considerations

Because festival totems can be large objects, it’s important to have the correct etiquette and safety considerations when creating a festival totem and bringing one to an event. Be sure your totem is within festival guidelines for size and materials. When at a set, be mindful of obstructing views or causing inconvenience to others. Lastly, always try to avoid sharp edges or potential hazards in crowded areas. Do your best to use common sense when bringing a totem to a festival and respect the festival environment. Festivals are safe spaces for many individuals, and you don’t want to do something with your totem that disturbs that. 

Building Connections Through Festival Totems

One of the great benefits of having a festival totem is building connections with others. Spotting familiar totems throughout your time at a festival is a great way to find and connect with friends. If you find a festival totem particularly fun or interesting, strike up conversations with fellow festival-goers! You never know when an impromptu group dance will form around a totem and they’re so fun to be a part of!

Capturing Memories: Totems in Festival Photography

Festival totems have made a statement over the years, being in live streams of major festivals and captured in photography at certain musician’s sets. They are a colorful and unique element in festival photography and can be a fun prop for group photos and selfies. 

Preserving Festival Totem Memories

If you are someone who is interested in preserving festival totem memories, there are a few things you can do to keep them around. You can transform the festival totems into home decor or keepsakes. Maybe you want to display the totem or repurpose the elements of the totem for future festival creations. Whatever you choose to do with your festival totem, remember, you can always utilize it again for the next event!

Festival totems serve as beacons of self-expression, creativity, and connectivity in the unique and vibrant world of music festivals. They allow individuals and groups to showcase their style and creativity, facilitate friendships, and create lasting memories. From designing and creating to dancing and connecting, festival totems add an additional layer of magic and community to the festival experience. So, unleash your creativity, (respectfully) wave your festival totem high, and immerse yourself in the community that makes festivals unforgettable.