In an article from The New York Times in 2000, reporter Rick Marin vividly described Burning Man as a hallucinogenic state fair. He painted a picture of countercultural revelry, where a mix of hippies and Silicon Valley types let loose in an environment reminiscent of both “Mad Max” and Cirque du Soleil.
However, this year’s festival in the remote Nevada desert has been a stark departure from that image. The event was hit by heavy rain starting on Friday night, leaving attendees stranded and wading through thick sludge. With limited access to the site, festival-goers have been instructed to conserve their food and water. Adding to the challenges, the police are investigating the death of one participant.
These extreme conditions have tested the free-spirited atmosphere that has long been the allure of Burning Man. Let’s take a closer look at the origins and evolution of this unique festival.
What is Burning Man?
Burning Man is a nine-day celebration of art and self-expression held in Black Rock City, a temporary community about 120 miles north of Reno, Nevada. Each year, around 70,000 people come together at the end of summer to participate in this event. The festival culminates in the burning of a towering wooden sculpture shaped like a man, hence the name.
What is the festival usually like?
Attendees, known as Burners, describe the festival as an opportunity for creativity and community building. Organizers have even referred to it as “an excuse to party in the desert.” The festival takes place on the playa, a dusty mini-city with streets laid out in a clock-face pattern, with the wooden figure at its center. Unlike other festivals like Coachella, Burning Man doesn’t have a headliner or a scheduled lineup of performers. Instead, Burners take on the responsibility of creating their own structures, including lodgings and large-scale art installations. The festival operates on a system of gifting, where participants exchange goods and experiences without the use of money.
“It’s an experiment in participatory, decommodified, self-expressive culture,” said Benjamin Wachs, author of “The Scene That Became Cities: What Burning Man Philosophy Can Teach Us About Building Better Communities.”
The festival is also known for its freewheeling atmosphere, which includes elements of nudity, sex, and drug use. Last year, most of the 16 arrests made at the event were related to drug possession, according to The Reno Gazette Journal.
How did Burning Man begin?
Burning Man had more modest beginnings in June 1986 when founders Larry Harvey and Jerry James held a bonfire with friends on Baker Beach in San Francisco. The burning of an eight-foot-tall wooden figure marked the end of a romantic relationship. Around 35 people gathered to witness this event.
The festival continued to be held annually at Baker Beach until fire marshals intervened in 1990. That year, it found a new home in Black Rock Desert, where 350 attendees gathered to burn a 40-foot effigy. Over time, the festival grew into a multi-day desert rave, attracting over 50,000 attendees, including tech moguls and celebrities.
The modern festival follows the “10 Principles,” introduced by Larry Harvey in 2004. These principles include “radical inclusion,” which promotes a lack of prerequisites for joining the community, and “leaving no trace,” which emphasizes leaving the desert environment clean after the festival.
Who attends Burning Man?
The festival attracts a diverse crowd of dedicated Burners and first-time attendees. Tech moguls, influencers, and celebrities have also been drawn to the event. Paris Hilton, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk are among the notable figures who have attended in the past.
Attending Burning Man comes at a cost. Tickets are priced at $575, but CNBC estimated that the overall experience could end up costing around $1,500 when factoring in lodging, travel, and appropriate attire.
How has the festival changed over time?
According to an annual survey conducted by festival volunteers, the average Burner is getting older and wealthier. The average age of attendees last year was 37, compared to 32 in 2013. The survey also revealed that attendees are primarily white, with only 13 percent identifying as people of color.
The influx of wealthy participants, some of whom bring personal chefs and air-conditioning, has led to criticism from longtime Burners who feel that the festival is losing its do-it-yourself (D.I.Y.) ethos.
The festival has faced challenges in recent years. It was held virtually in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. Last year’s event took place amidst extreme heat and dust, while this year saw environmental activists blockading the entrance. These obstacles, combined with the unpredictable effects of climate change, have made the festival increasingly difficult for attendees.
Burning Man remains an unparalleled celebration of art, self-expression, and community, attracting a diverse crowd of individuals who embrace the festival’s unique ethos. Despite the challenges it faces, Burning Man continues to be a transformative experience for those who participate.
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