The sun went down but the heat was just as blistering as it had been hours prior. The amount of body heat radiating off of the thousands of people waiting in front of the main stage was gruesome. People passing out from dehydration and heat exhaustion having to be pulled out by security had become something very familiar. The thought of, “Maybe I should just leave and watch from outside the pit,” raced through my head as I looked down at my feet that had been bleeding and aching for the past three days. Moments later, the lights dimmed and Drake took the stage. Suddenly, all of my worries were diminished as I sang along to the Toronto-natives lyrics.

For the past two weekends, 90,000 people were gathered in Indio, Calif. for the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Whether you were there to attend every set that you desired, try every cuisine from the food trucks and booths, or just wanted to walk around and look at all the art installations, there is something for everyone at the three day festival.

The difference between my experiences with previous years and my experience this year was that my wristband said “VIP,” instead of “GA.” A thought ran through my head as I was sitting in the sectioned off VIP area, charging my phone, sipping on an $11 margarita and listening to the sweet sounds of singer-songwriter, Hozier. “Have I taken the experience out of Coachella by disconnecting myself with the mass of the festival and picking a more luxurious path ?”

The more I pondered the thought, the more I felt reassured that my choice to buy a VIP pass this year was incredibly worth it. I was still there for the music, but is there any harm in being comfortable and not being pushed up against sweaty humans all day long? The money spent was well paid off.

Derek Johnson, 21, psychology major, said that he has mastered the art of budgeting Coachella. “I’m a college student. I pay for my own things, so as awful as it sounds, I’ve grown to love camping at Coachella. It’s a lot cheaper than any hotel.”

He said that it’s a bonding area for people and encourages him to make the most out of the weekend. “From Thursday to Sunday, it’s you, your tent and a herd of people doing the same sh*t as you.”

The polo ground was filled with thousands of doe-eyed and excited attendees in flower crowns and little-to-no clothes, but if you’re going to be half naked somewhere, Coachella is the place.

The extraordinary thing about this festival is how you can dress how you want, dance how you want and act how you want. It’s a three day escape from reality. A very beautiful escape from reality.

Fashion is a huge deal for Coachella goers. Many look forward to seeing what people like Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Justin Bieber, and other young adult A-listers wear to the desert.

There are tons of festivals, like Coachella, around the nation and the world, but according to Trish Santiago, 21, business major, “Nothing will ever compare to the ambiance of this festival. I’ve been to other ones in the country, but this is something sacred.”

Santiago said her favorite performance was Alesso’s DJ set in the Sahara tent, which is exclusively electronic dance music. “He is probably my favorite DJ, and then he brought out Tove Lo and I went crazy.”

In addition to the diverse lineup, the festival is known for artists bringing on special guests during their set. Canadian R&B singer, The Weeknd, shocked the crowd when he brought the one-and-only Kanye West on stage for “Don’t Like” and “All Day.” The audience suddenly pushed closer to the stage and thousands of people flocked to see Yeezus himself.

Florence Welch, from Florence + The Machine, broke her foot during her weekend 1 performance, so she sat down through her set. As an apology for her injury, she brought lead singer of Fleet Foxes, Father John Misty, on stage to perform the Everly Brothers’ “Love Hurts.”

To some, the music isn't as important as the social aspect of the festival. Alanna White, 23, communications major, said “I love the music, but I go for the visuals of it all. What people wear, the art installations, the stage setup. I’m all visual. It’s so pleasing to me.”

White added, “I’m not even afraid to admit that I love celebrities. Paris Hilton and Jaden Smith walked by me and I wanted to squeal. I’m 21, but celeb spotting is one of my favorite things to do.”

For two weekends of the year, human connection is everywhere in the Coachella valley. You can find yourself dancing and singing your heart out with random individuals and potentially befriending them. Coachella is something I believe everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.

Photos taken by Adolfo Tigerino