SQUAT PARTIES Meaning and
Definition
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Squat parties refer to informal gatherings or events held in abandoned or vacant buildings, commonly known as squats or squat houses. These parties typically take place in urban areas, often with a strong emphasis on alternative or underground culture. Squat parties emerged as a subculture phenomenon in the late 1970s and gained popularity throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Such parties are usually organized by individuals or groups who intentionally occupy these empty buildings without the legal permission of the property owners. Squatters typically transform these spaces into temporary venues for music concerts, art exhibitions, or experimental performances.
Squat parties are characterized by their do-it-yourself (DIY) ethos, often featuring diverse music genres like techno, punk, reggae, or dub. They are known for their inclusive and spontaneous nature, attracting people from various backgrounds, such as artists, activists, anarchists, and free-spirited individuals seeking alternative forms of entertainment.
These events are often seen as a statement against the commodification of culture and the restriction of access to urban spaces. However, squat parties can sometimes face legal challenges due to the unauthorized occupation of properties.
Overall, squat parties represent a form of counterculture expression and provide a platform for creative endeavors in non-conventional spaces, emphasizing autonomy, grassroots organizing, and the rejection of mainstream norms.
Etymology of SQUAT PARTIES
The word "squat parties" originated in the United Kingdom in the 1970s.
The term "squat" refers to the act of occupying an abandoned or derelict building without permission from the owner. Squatting became prevalent during this time as a form of protest against the housing crisis and the lack of affordable housing options. Squatters would often host parties in these occupied buildings, which came to be known as "squat parties".
The word "squat" itself has a long history. It comes from the Old French word "esquatir", meaning "to crush", which later evolved into the Middle French word "esquater" or "écraser", meaning "to squash" or "to flatten". In English, it initially referred to crouching or sitting with the heels drawn up, which ultimately led to the current meaning associated with occupying abandoned buildings.
