Af Andreas Elbke Mortensen, frivillig journalist i Roskilde Festivals Mediehus.
“If you can’t express yourself, you die slowly from the inside.”
So says Uta Bekaia, artist and member of Eau de Cologne, who are inviting you and all your friends to join them on the Dancefloor tonight. Through high-energy raves, the Georgian queer collective creates a free space for those who are marginalised and pushed out of public life.
Eau de Cologne began as a secret underground party for women and queer people in Tbilisi, Georgia – a country where LGBTQ+ people face harassment, hate crimes, and political hostility. Today, the collective is a powerful voice in Georgia’s queer movement. Tonight’s rave at Roskilde Festival marks the first time they are taking the party outside their home country.
And that’s no coincidence.
Rave with Eau de Cologne
Party with Eau de Cologne & Hitori Ni on monday 30 June, 17:00 at Dancefloor.
Before that, join them 13:15 at Flokkr for a talk on queer protest and Georgian club culture
This year, Roskilde Festival explores how parties can become platforms for activism and change. And for Eau de Cologne, being invited to take part is a big deal.
“We’re excited. It means everything to be able to show our world to others. It gives us strength. Being taken seriously here makes us more legitimate back home. Less vulnerable. It’s something we can build on,” says Uta Bekaia.
Eau de Cologne usually hosts its events at the iconic techno club Bassiani – regarded by many high-profile artists and DJs as the best underground club in the world. Here, they party with purpose:
“The nightclub is the only place where we can truly be ourselves – where we can celebrate our identity, our sexuality, and our bodies. Our parties are a kind of translation. They make it possible for others – even people outside the community – to understand us.”
But how do you step into such a meaningful space if you’ve grown up with freedom and rights?
“All you need to know is how to party,” says Uta with a laugh.
“Everyone is welcome – and the more who show up, the stronger we all become. But you need to let go of your ego. Out in the real world, we’re not all equal – but we are on the dancefloor. It’s something you need to feel, share, and enjoy.”
Under the theme Partying as Activism, you’ll find several opportunities to protest and dance at the same time:
Join La Sosi for drag karaoke at Flokkr on Tuesday 1 July at 17:30, where classic karaoke meets a world-class drag show.
Manifest defies gravity with a chaotic circus performance featuring five artists in a vibrant stage collage set to pounding beats. Catch it on Tuesday 1 July at 17:00 on the Dancefloor.
Choreographer and dancer Marie Kaae invites you into a performance piece exploring the power that emerges when we listen and move our bodies together. Experience it twice – Wednesday 2 July at 21:30 and Thursday 3 July at 19:15 on Platform.
