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Subcultures and Countercultures in Slavic Countries (edited by Alessandro Ajres and Simone Guagnelli)

Vol. 18 (2025): Subcultures and Countercultures in Slavic Countries

Techno Carnival: Genealogy of the Russian Rave Scene

Published
2026-02-16

Abstract

The article delves into the emergence of the rave culture in Russia contextualizing the phenomenon within broader transformations in youth subcultures, artistic practices, and political landscapes during the years that marked the passage from perestroika to a new federal reality. The study interprets the first Russian rave events as performative and ritualistic practices akin to both the Bakhtinian concept of carnival and the Temporary Autonomous Zones theorized by Hakim Bey. These techno gatherings, particularly in Leningrad and Moscow, are examined as liminal spaces where collective identity could be reimagined through music, dance, costume, and synesthetic experience. These events are presented as a dual force, enabling the evolution of new generational rituals while empowering young artists seeking identity and creative outlets.