Enter the World of LARPs

  Ready to have some fun? I just found an activity that has become popular in the last two decades - Live Action Role Playing (LARP) - that transports you to other worlds for days.

Let me be clear. Role playing activities have been around forever in America and around the world. What I'm talking about today is role playing on steroids for four to six straight days. Total immersion into fantasy and historical worlds designed to challenge your senses and reality. 

Renaissance Fairs have been popular worldwide for a long time, but they only scratch the surface. Visitors are encouraged to wear theme clothing but it's not necessary and there are generally staged shows - knights jousting and stuff like that.

Now compare that to a recent Medieval LARP in Texas last year where hundreds of people bought tickets and agreed to immerse themselves, (they sign a contract) in the themed activities. There's numerous LARPs out there. One of my favorites is... 

                          WASTELAND WEEKEND  

When you arrive at the LARP location you are given an identity and tasked with different challenges that take you all around the huge, themed park over the course of four days. Themed food is offered throughout the different sections of what feels like a movie set. Authenticity is encouraged and is even rewarded with prizes.

I highly recommend going to YouTube and watching past LARP events to really get the complete picture of what's going on. I watched one that was Mad Max themed and was in awe of the vehicles the participants built for the event. You really feel like you're in a movie or another world.

The whole concept is centered around escapism which doesn't surprise me because so many people (of all age groups) are dissatisfied with the world around them. The LARPs are a reflection of other realities created by innovative and twisted minds that want to share their visions with like-minded individuals. LARPs are held all over the world with each one sharing different themes that attract thousands of adventurous souls.

As it Stands, what's true is people throughout the ages will always go to any extremes for a good time. Think ancient Roman gladiators fighting for their lives to entertain a bloodthirsty audience.