Editing Block party

{{Short description|Community gathering in celebration}}
{{Hatnote group|{{Redirect-distinguish-text|Street party|[[Street fair]]s or the band, [[Bloc Party]]}}{{For-multi|more uses|Block Party (disambiguation){{!}}Block Party|and|Street Party (disambiguation){{!}}Street Party}}}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}

[[File:Block_party_(Manhattan,_October_4_2008).jpg|thumb|right|A block party on Jane Street west of [[Eighth Avenue (Manhattan)|Eighth Avenue]] in [[Manhattan]] in October 2008.]]
A '''block party''' or '''street party''' is a [[party]] in which many members of a single [[community]] congregate, either to observe an event of some importance or simply for mutual solidarity and enjoyment.  The name comes from the form of the party, which often involves closing an entire [[city block]] to vehicle traffic or just a single street.  Many times, there will be a celebration in the form of playing [[music]], games, [[dance]] and activities with food such as popcorn machines and [[barbecue]]s. When multiple streets become cordoned off, those are referred to as [[street fair]]s. These gatherings are especially popular during holidays or local celebrations and may range from informal get-togethers to large public events.  The tradition has evolved globally, with local variations reflecting cultural, historical, and political contexts. 

Block parties in many countries, particularly in urban areas, require permits and adherence to legal regulations such as street closures, noise control, public safety, and health guidelines.

As a form of [[activism]] street parties are festive and/or artistic efforts to reclaim roadways as public space by large groups of people. They were made known in Western Europe and North America by the actions of [[Reclaim the Streets]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Third Text |url=http://thirdtext.org/reclaim-the-streets |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=thirdtext.org |language=en}}</ref> a widespread "dis-organization" dedicated to reclaiming public space from automobiles and [[consumerism]].

==Global Perspective==

===Poland===
In the 1980s, under martial law in Poland, street gatherings that resembled block parties became a form of peaceful protest. The Orange Alternative, a surrealist art movement, organized theatrical events in public spaces as a way to challenge the Communist government's control over daily life. These events often included costumes and spontaneous celebrations, attracting large crowds and momentarily turning public streets into spaces for freedom and community. While not like the traditional block parties seen in the West, these performances captured the essence of communal gathering that is central to many block party traditions worldwide.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Tyszka |first=Juliusz |date=November 1998 |title=The Orange Alternative: Street Happenings as Social Performance in Poland under Martial Law |url=https://doi.org/10.1017/S0266464X00012392 |journal=New Theatre Quarterly |publisher=Cambridge University Press |volume=14 |issue=56 |pages=311-323 |isbn=978-0521648509}}</ref>

===United Kingdom===
[[File:Royal wedding street parties main 480 29april2011.jpg|thumb|right|A street party in [[London]] for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton]]
In the UK, street parties are mainly known as private residents' events without wider neighbourhood publicity and have a festive cultural meaning, especially in England and southern Wales. They have historically been held in the summer to commemorate major national events, such as [[VE Day]] or for royal events such as [[Jubilee|jubilees]], with [[Bunting (textile)|bunting]] dressing the street, and children having fun in the street. An estimated 10 million people took part in street parties in 1977 for the Queen's [[Silver Jubilee]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Queen's Jubilees and other milestones |url=https://www.royal.uk/the-queens-jubilees-and-other-milestones |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=www.royal.uk |language=en}}</ref>

The tradition seems to have begun in the United Kingdom after [[World War I]] as residents' organised "peace teas" to celebrate the signing of the [[Treaty of Versailles]] in 1919.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.streetparty.org.uk/history-of-street-parties/ |title=History of Street Parties |publisher=Streets Alive Ltd. |access-date=2017-06-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=19th July 1919 Peace Day in Britain {{!}} The Western Front Association |url=https://www.westernfrontassociation.com/world-war-i-articles/19th-july-1919-peace-day-in-britain/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=www.westernfrontassociation.com}}</ref>

The tradition was boosted for the [[Wedding of Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton|wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton]] in April 2011 with about 1 million people joining in street parties.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.streetparty.org.uk/street-parties-for-the-royal-wedding-2011/ |title=Street Parties for the Royal Wedding 2011 |publisher=Streetparty.org.uk |date=2011-04-29 |access-date=2020-03-02}}</ref> For the [[Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Queen's Diamond Jubilee]] in June 2012 about 2 million took part.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.streetparty.org.uk/street-parties-for-the-queens-diamond-jubilee-2012/ |title=Street Parties for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee 2012 |publisher=Streetparty.org.uk |date=2012-06-05 |access-date=2020-03-02}}</ref>

Some street parties are held annually or at any time for residents to meet their neighbours in a traffic-free street in a private street party. Some "street parties" are wider public events taking many forms with any social or cultural activity.

===United States===
[[File:Mifflin Street Block Party.png|thumb|right|People and police officers at the [[Mifflin Street Block Party]] in [[Madison, Wisconsin]] in 2007]]
[[File:OakFoodAndDrums.JPG|thumb|right|Musicians performing at a block party on Oak Street in [[New Orleans]] in 2009.]]
Block parties are reported as a [[World War I]] innovation originating from the East Side of [[New York City]], where an entire block was insulated and patriotic songs sung, and a parade held to honor the members of that block who had gone off to war.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McNamara |first=Christian |date=2019-02-08 |title=Rock the Block |url=https://www.frontporchrepublic.com/2019/02/rock-the-block/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=Front Porch Republic |language=en-US}}</ref> Traditionally, many inner city block parties were actually held illegally, because they did not file for an event permit from the local authorities. However, police turned a blind eye to them.

In the [[United States]], block parties usually occur on holidays such as [[Independence Day (United States)|Independence Day]] and [[Memorial Day]]. Some towns may also have an annual block party.

Block parties gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s, particularly within the [[hip hop culture|hip hop community]]. Block parties were usually outside on the street, and the DJs powered their [[sound reinforcement system|sound system]]s using streetlights, as referenced in the song "South Bronx" by [[KRS-One]]. They became an integral part of urban American life, fostering local identity and creating a sense of belonging among residents. These gatherings provided opportunities for residents to socialize, share food, and enjoy music in public spaces.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Briana A. |title=How Hip-Hop Was Born 50 Years Ago in a Block Party in the Bronx |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/how-the-block-party-became-an-urban-phenomenon-180980560/ |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=Smithsonian Magazine |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-18 |title=Hip Hop History: From the Streets to the Mainstream |url=https://www.iconcollective.edu/hip-hop-history?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=www.iconcollective.edu |language=en}}</ref>

Sometimes, the occasion may be a theme, such as a recent popular film or "welcome to our town" for a new family. Often block parties involve barbecues and lawn games such as [[Simon says]], [[karaoke]], and group dancing such as the [[electric slide]], the [[Macarena (song)|Macarena]], or [[line dancing]]. In many small towns, local firefighters may also participate in the party, bringing out trucks that are displayed for show.

== Legal and Permitting ==
Block parties, while often seen as informal neighborhood events, generally require legal permissions and compliance to local regulations, especially when held in public spaces. The requirements for permits and approvals vary by region, but key aspects of the permitting process include fees, alcohol permits, health and safety regulations, traffic control, noise control, and the actual permit application.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Block Parties - CECM |url=https://www.nyc.gov/site/cecm/permitting/permit-types/block-parties.page |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=www.nyc.gov}}</ref>

In many locations, organizing a block party requires submitting a formal application to local authorities, such as city or town councils. The application typically asks for details regarding the event, such as its location, duration, purpose, and expected number of attendees. Local governments review these details to ensure that the event complies with public safety and community regulations. Permits may be required for various reasons, including road closures, noise control, and security measures. Authorities may also set specific conditions, such as the hours during which the event can occur or limits on the amount of space used.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Your guide to organising a street party |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/your-guide-to-organising-a-street-party/your-guide-to-organising-a-street-party |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Banquet]]
*[[Botellon]]
*[[Demoparty]]
*[[LAN party]]
*[[Mifflin Street Block Party]]
*[[Notting Hill Carnival]]
*[[Street reclaiming]]
*[[Street storming]]
*[[Tactical frivolity]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://www.streetparty.org.uk Street party]

{{Parties}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Parties]]
[[Category:Social phenomena]]
[[Category:DIY culture]]
[[Category:Street culture|Party]]
[[Category:Hip-hop music festivals| ]]