The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is one of the most well-known festivals in the United States.

Last year, 99,000 people attended Coachella per day, according to an article from The Los Angeles Times.

Citizens from all over the country squander their money for a weekend with their favorite artists. In recent years, Coachella has attracted the masses with big-name artists such as Drake, Outkast, Red Hot Chili Peppers and even a hologram of Tupac.

Originally, when this music festival first began back in 1999, ticket prices were as cheap as $50. Today, those prices have skyrocketed to over $500, according to an article by Forbes magazine.
The question is, why do people continue to purchase Coachella tickets?

I’ve never been to Coachella, but I have been to several other music festivals. Being surrounded by strangers who have the same musical taste as you can be cathartic. I have seen a few of my favorite artists live, so I can honestly say that I will die a happy man.

However, Coachella is one of the most expensive music festivals on the West Coast. It’s crazy how that does not seem to stop people from attending the massive weekend-long festival.

Since it is so close to Los Angeles, Coachella has been something of a cultural force. Rich kids and celebrities are seen in outfits that border on appropriation.

Bindis, war paint, feathered headpieces are some of the items that are seen at the festival. Bindis are a cultural symbol that represents wisdom and spiritual development to South Asian women. For some Coachella attendees, a bindi is just another forehead accessory.

Also, some of the money from ticket sales are rumored fund anti-LGBTQ organizations and climate change denial groups, according to an article on the Pitchfork online music magazine.

I will not be attending Coachella this year, mainly because I am a broke college student. Even if I had the money to pay for these tickets, I would not buy them because if I did, my money could be used to fund horrible organizations that hate people for being themselves.

Another reason I will not be going is because how awkward and claustrophobic music festivals can be. One time, I forgot to put on deodorant before I headed out to see Mac Demarco at FYF, but somehow, I still smelled better than half the people there.

Also, it is very annoying when you finally find that comfortable spot in the crowd, only to get shoved by random people “looking for their friends.” I’m just trying to chill and maybe wild out for a bit, but it sucks when the people around you kill your vibe.

To the people who are going to Coachella this year, I am sure they will have a great time. They will be able to escape from the real world, but they won’t be able to escape from the possible consequences from attending such a crowded festival like this.