ABSTRACT
This chapter offers a historical account of Rainbow Gatherings in Europe, based on original research and participant interviews. It details the organization of the first Gathering event in Europe as well as their proliferation, following the timeline of the central events known as “European Rainbow Gatherings” throughout their history. The chapter examines main developments in the European Rainbow history and links them with the political and cultural currents that influenced these events. The chapter also presents historical examples of typical and informative features of Rainbow culture and its varying relations with outside actors such as other countercultural networks, local communities, state representatives, and the media.
