Kandi is a name used among ravers for bracelets made of bright, plastic beads that usually have a word or phrase spelled out on them. While the beads can be bought at stores like AC Moore and Michael’s, the bracelets themselves are not something you can buy. This is because each bracelet is handmade by an individual and usually traded or gifted to someone else at a rave.

Kandi bracelets were first made and worn by drug dealers in the early 1990s. Drug dealers would go to raves hiding drugs like ecstasy and LSD on them and wear an arm-full of these bright bracelets so that other ravers could identify them and buy some of their product. The idea was—because at raves your hands are usually in the air—the dealers bright bracelets could be seen by everyone behind them and people would know they can buy drugs from him.

Today, kandi bracelets are worn by a large amount of ravers and the relationshi
with being drug-related has faded. These bracelets are now seen as a way for ravers to connect and symbolize unity among the rave community. Many kandi bra
celets have the name of DJs a person has seen or festivals a person has been to. Others have positive sayings on them like “peace” and “be happy”. Trading or gifting your kandi to someone is a way of spreading your message and connecting with ravers all over the country.

There is a handshake that is performed when trading kandi with someone. The handshake symbolizes peace, love, unity, and respect (or, PLUR) through hand gestures. It goes as follows: the two people make peace signs and touch them (peace), each person forms their hand into half a heart and then are joined (love), then the two touch their hands in a gesture resembling a stop signal (unity), then they intertwine their fingers the way you would as if you’re praying (respect), and finally, without releasing their grip, the other hand is used to move the bracelet from your wrist to theirs, and vice versa. Sometimes the two exchange a hug afterwards.

            Some people are not a fan of the whole kandi craze and think that it demoralizes the reputation of electronic dance music. These people still consider there to be a link between wearing kandi bracelets and drug use. This is because many people who are not true fans of electronic dance music go to raves as an excuse to take drugs. Unfortunately, these people also make kandi bracelets with words like “drop acid” and “pop molly” on them, because that’s what the music is all about to them. Some venues have even banned kandi bracelets from their shows. If wearing them, security will confiscate and throw them away. Artist and producer Diplo placed a ban on kandi bracelets for all of the shows on his Mad Decent Block Party tour after numerous deaths from fans due to drug overdose occurred. This upsets many people because kandi bracelets are a collection of memories that people gather at shows and represent all different people they have met in the process. Throwing away people’s kandi at shows is like throwing away someone’s memories and handmade work. Banning kandi at shows denies attendees the chance to add to their collection and meet like-minded people.

Kandi is no longer just bracelets, ravers are getting crafty and making cuffs, headbands, masks and even belts. It seems that–in a time when kandi is facing more opposition—people are constantly finding new things to make with these little beads. Each piece of kandi is unique and has a story behind it. They represent PLUR and are a way of meeting new people and spreading a message. Kandi bracelets are a form of self expression that should not be banned from shows.