What is Burning Man?
Some things can't be explained; you just have to experience them! The Burning Man festival is one such event. Luckily for you, we've got the inside scoop and are ready to spill the secrets of what actually happens at this nine-day-long festival.
According to the organizers, this isn't a festival but a community. But we can bet it's nothing like the place you grew up in. Here's why people from all over the country (including VIP celebrities) flock to the Nevada desert and the unbelievable things they get up to that definitely wouldn't be allowed anywhere else! That, pretty much, relates to "brave" outfits.
Brave Dressing is Welcomed
While certain things might not be acceptable in our everyday society, the burners have no problem with letting people do as they please. This includes getting rid of your clothes and having fun in the sandy city.
It truly seems like the perfect place to let loose and not worry about rules. In fact, there is only one rule that everyone has to follow when attending the event, and it might be the most shocking thing you've ever heard. No one is allowed to...
Unique Fashion
One of the most popular aspects of this experience (besides watching "the man" burn) is some people's fashion choices. These Burners take their looks pretty seriously, and you'll often see creative hairstyles and unusual piercings being adorned.
Strange headgear also fits right in at this event. There really is no limit to the attendees' creativity. But it is still considered tame compared to the other things that go on here. We can bet you haven't heard of this one before...
No Money Allowed
Everything that happens at burning man is done by the attendees. Basically, you're buying a ticket to an event where you will be the entertainment. People are allowed to exhibit anything they want to, but there's one catch.
You can't charge for things. I guess it's like the bartering system, but you don't even have to give something to receive. It's a spectacular attitude of giving with no expectations. So who wouldn't want to experience this? But before you think of booking that ticket, here's the "fine print" you need to know first.
Washing Others
You need to be prepared to live in harmony with the environment. Now, that doesn't sound like a big deal; in fact, it's quite beautiful. But being one with nature doesn't just mean picking up litter; you'll also need to brace yourself for the shower situation.
There are public showers at burning man, but again, it has a system you might not be used to. To get washed, you need to wash others! Soaping, scrubbing, and rinsing, you'll have to do it all for your comrades, and in turn, they'll do the same for you. And if it's your first time at burning man, you're bound to get extra dirty because of this next tradition.
Rolling Around
At burning man, they take ice-breakers to an extreme level. When you're presenting your ticket at the gate, you'll be asked if this is your first time. Most festival organizers might tell you to have a great time, but that doesn't happen here.
First-timers will be asked to roll around on the sand or "playa," as it's called, and scream out the words, "I'm a virgin no more!" But don't worry about making a fool of yourself; after all, every burner has done it. And to prevent people on the outside from seeing burners in compromising positions, there's this rule...
Burning Man Secrets
Just like in Vegas, what happens at burning man stays at burning man. To ensure burners don't face too many inquiries about their activities when they get back, photographers at the event are asked to sign a contract.
This legal document requires them to give consent to potential censorship of the pictures or videos. Many burners have admitted that illegal activities may occur at the festival, so this ensures that no one is incriminated. But burning man isn't just for partying; life-altering moments also happen here, such as...
Tying the Knot
People love unusual wedding destinations, and here we have one of the most unique places on earth. So, if you're interested in having your honeymoon in the desert with thousands of strangers, then keep reading!
There's an official temple on-site where couples can pledge their love and commitment to each other. Everything is legal, and you just need to pick up a marriage license from the nearby Pershing County Clerk's office. Marriages aside, you'll never believe what the singletons get up to. It's called "Tent Trysts."
Dust Love
According to certain burners, it may be selfish to stick to monogamy. Casual affairs are common at burning man and are said to be the main attraction for some. Many tents actively encourage this behavior and other more "out there" forms of romantic expression.
From artworks showcasing the human body to unicorn nights, where people have intimate fun with others, singles don't have to worry about being alone. But "hookups" are not the only way to have fun; you could try the hunt...
Scavenger Hunt
One of the 2016 exhibits featured a half-buried robot. But instead of being a showpiece, the creator of this display left interactive clues around the metal creature's fallen body. Participants took it upon themselves to solve this puzzle, only to reveal a surprising twist.
As everyone pieced together the clues, they were taken on a journey throughout the desert. We must admit, this one sounds pretty cool. The burners agreed, especially when they found out, they were reading pages from Leonardo Davinci's journal. But, not all the exhibits are as safe.
Not So Green
Despite the concept of being environmentally friendly, the 2007 burning man event showcased a display that was not so green. The artwork called Crude Awakening used 900 gallons of jet fuel and 2,000 gallons of liquid propane to send a mushroom cloud into the air.
Environmental organizations have also criticized the event for a radical increase in plastic waste that ends up in landfills because of the event. Although one of the festival policies is to leave no trace, it seems like the environment is feeling the flames of burning man. Speaking of fire, there's one aspect to this event that's not so hot.
Cold Burn
When you think of the desert, you might visualize hot sand that stretches out for miles. Well, you'll definitely get that at the burning man, but there's also something else to factor in, and it's not so hot. In fact, it's freezing!
The burning man takes place on a plateau that's 4,000 feet above sea level. This means the nights can be freezing. The temperature is usually around 50 degrees but can drop to as low as 30. But burners don't seem to mind because most of them have optimized their schedules to include...
Sleeping Patterns
The burning man attractions run 24/7, so you can always find something to do. But the most fun experiences seem to occur at night. Once you factor in the temperatures, it makes sense that these burners want to go out and warm themselves during the night and catch warm daytime snoozes.
Burning man nights feature elaborate light displays, fire spinners, art cars, and much more. It's even been said that the lights can be seen from space! However, it's not always about being loud and having fun; there are some sacred rituals that take place that no one would've imagined.
The Dead Are Not Forgotten
The burning man is a celebration of life, and mourning the loss of a loved one is a common practice. There are temples dedicated to this purpose, and mourners can write names or leave personal possessions inside the structures. The deceased are remembered throughout the week and then watch as the temple burns on the last night.
The creators of this concept wanted to develop a sacred place where people could grieve authentically. And with so many burners attending the event, death is something even the organizers have to think about. Burning man attendees accept all risks of injury or death when entering the desert.
Expression of Bikes
The playa is huge, and getting around on foot is not an option. Organizers and long-time burners suggest investing in a bicycle to make your burning man experience even better. But with many attendees, it's easy to misplace your two-wheel ride. So, burners have come up with a creative plan.
The bikes at burning man are all decked out with lights and other embellishments. This helps owners identify their rides more efficiently. In fact, decorating your bicycle has become a big part of the burning man culture. It's an amazing sight to witness, especially since these celebs are riding around at burning man too.
Famous Burners
Burning man is a unique experience that draws a diverse crowd. This includes many famous celebrities. Some well-known burners include Katty Perry, Mark Zuckerberg, Sean Combs, Paris Hilton, and Will Smith. And they certainly had a lot to say about it.
According to Musk, "if you haven't been, you just don't get it." Combs shared similar sentiments when he posted, "words cannot explain! I'll never be the same." Well, it seemed like the burning man is truly an event that can bring people together, no matter where they're from. But where do the celebs sleep?
Celebrity Camps
Over the years, more celebrities and tech giants have joined the burning man family. The rich and famous often have their own camps, called "fancy camps." These luxurious areas even come with a private chef!
Huge tents are erected, and the space is pretty clean, considering it's in the desert. Even though burning man is about inclusivity, the fancy camps offer insight into the commercial divide among burners. We wonder if the celebs stuck to this next burning man 'tradition?'...
Hugs All Around
You can skip the handshakes and small talk at burning man. These attendees go straight in for a hug. Apparently, it's one of the traditions of the event. Well, considering the other things that go on here, a hug doesn't seem so bad.
As the organizers have emphasized, burning man is a community, so it makes sense that they embrace each other like family. In fact, most of the societal norms and dangers that one might expect in everyday life disappears at the festival. That's why burners feel safe to do this.
Hitching A Ride
With so many people heading out to Black Rock desert, traveling solo doesn't make sense. The trip can become quite costly depending on where you're driving (or flying) from. For this reason, most people decide to rideshare, and it's a very creative process.
People who need a ride promote themselves as excellent conversationalists. After all, you have to give back something. So, if you're thinking of hitching a ride in one of the more luxury vehicles, make sure you have a bunch of crazy stories to share. The reason most people are so comfortable sharing things themselves at burning man is because they don't have to do this...
Anonymity is Acceptable
People at burning man can be whoever they want. There's no need to be truthful about your name or profession. Most attendees adopt pseudonyms that reflect who they want to be rather than who they are.
Some unique characters you might encounter at burning man include "Steverino" (Steve), "Cindiana" (Cindy), and more out there names such as "Sexy Bacon," "Hooty," or "Headwound." And just like the unusual names, the prizes received at burning man will also shock you.
Awarded With A Kiss
There are no cash prizes or acknowledgments for the exhibits at burning man, but there is a legend that the best creators get something. Although, we're not sure if this is something they'd actually want!
Apparently, judges will give out smooches to their favorite art creators. Well, we guess love and affection top money or trophies. Let's hope the recipients agreed. However, despite burning man's motto of doing away with finances, you sure need a lot of it to attend the event. Here's how much burners are set back...
Burning Cash
Burning man is a commerce-free event, but attendees still have to purchase tickets for the festival. The general sale price of the tickets is $425, and once you factor in all the preparation and transport costs, burners could be left with a huge hole in their pockets.
According to reports, burning man earned around $46M in revenue during 2018. Organizers state that the money goes to equipment, labor, permits, and logistics. Burner's don't seem to mind the spending and go all out to arrange even more attractions, like this one...(it's bizarre).
Nose Picking Day
The things that take place at burning man are strange, but one of the 2017 events sure takes the title of being "most unusual." It was called "Socially Appropriate Nose Picking Day," and it's exactly what it sounds like.
The description of the event called on burners to get the relief they deserve and breathe a little freer. Attendees could pick their noses and flick the gunk on the floor. Despite your feelings about nose picking, we're gonna bet you'd rather spend the day doing that rather than have this next thing happen to you.
Relationship Drama
If you're going to burning man with a partner, you might want to take heed. While countless people develop strong bonds at burning man, others see their relationships end. The organizers themselves have some rules about who should attend this event.
To make sure your relationship survives the burn, attendees recommend making sure your partner feels special and not pushing their boundaries. Some say if your relationship can survive burning man, then you can make it through anything! However, if things seem to be getting out of control, you could try this booth...
Call to God
If you believe in a higher power, chances are you've prayed about things that you want. But how often have you gotten a response? Well, at burning man, you can pick up the phone at the "Talk to God" booth and instantly connect!
Unfortunately, it's only other burners at the end of the line, but this exhibit has helped many people. It's a great place to get rid of things that are weighing your heart down, and having someone genuinely listen to you could make a world of difference. But this isn't the main reason why people attend burning man—they go to witness the burn and just see how spectacular it is!
The Burn
On the last night of the burning man event, a large wooden effigy (the man) is burnt. This represents the destruction of the normal policies or rules that usually guide our lives in everyday society. Some call it a spiritual experience of connecting with the innermost parts of yourself.
Burning man co-founder Larry Harvey wrote ten principles that burners should live by. Rather than enforcing these rules on people, the organizers claim it reflects the community's culture. Here are the ten beliefs burners stick to...
10 Guiding Principles
Included in the guiding principles of burning man are radical inclusion, gifting, decommodification, radical self-reliance, radical self-expression, communal effort, civic responsibility, leaving no trace, participation, and immediacy.
Some of these are self-explanatory, while others demand a definition. The immediacy principle refers to overcoming barriers that stand between you and your inner self right now. Some consider it to be the most important value of burning man. But these principles do beg the following question about the way burning man is conducted.
A Pretty Penny
Technically everyone is invited to burning man but not all can afford to attend the event. While the organizers make good on the decommodification process, there's still the high cost of tickets and supplies that burners have to prepare for.
The event is supposed to mimic a community picnic where items are shared and not sold. But some major brands still manage to make money out of the event. Popular DJ and producer Diplo was seen promoting Popeye's new chicken sandwich at burning man. Well, we guess there's no way to be completely commercial-free but you can save some money if you're this age...
Family Friendly
Some burners want to bring their kids to the festivities but judging from everything we've seen, is burning man a place for the kids? According to the Baby Burners Project, children belong at burning man, and they're on a mission to prove it.
The burning man website allows those under 18 to attend the event but only under parental supervision. They also offer free admission to those under 13. But it's a choice one must consider very carefully before making, especially because of this...
Toilets
Probably one of the most pressing matters about burning man is the toilet situation. Whether you're using your personal RV facilities or the provided porta-potty stations, there's the matter of disposing of human waste.
If you're taking care of your own waste, you have to be on the lookout for servicing trucks that charge a fee to take care of your business. On the other hand, the port-potties might be easier. However, you'll have to make do with sharing and hope you can handle the smells. If you really can't handle the way your burn is going, you can always resort to this...
Tears Are Expected
When you think of attending a festival, tears are not something you want to be a part of your trip. We guess that's why burning man doesn't like to be referenced as a festival since crying is a common part of the burning man experience.
In line with the radical self-expression principle, participants can cry, scream, or shout. There are even exhibits that will help you embrace and free the parts of yourself that society has locked up. Burning man enables you to satisfy the needs of your soul; however, the same can't be said about your body. After all, they don't provide this...
Food Supplies
You have to arrange your own food for this event so make sure you come prepared! There might be people who offer edible goods as gifts but seeking them out for every meal can be a bit much. But seasoned burners have come up with a way to survive without preparing every meal.
Most people who go to burning man are part of registered camps. These camps provide entertainment for other burners while sharing food and beds with their members. Generally, they take it in turns to provide food for each other. Speaking of entertainment, here's the best one.
Unbelievable Art
Burning man is a magnificent showcase of various artists' works. However, some experts claim that the pieces lack skill and preciseness. Apparently, most of the art at burning man falls under the "outsider art" category and has little value in traditional marketplaces.
All of the art installations at burning man are paid for by the artists themselves and are often burned during the event. But some pieces went on to be sold after the festival, helping their creators gain some money. Despite the fantastic attractions at burning man, there is one danger that often occurs on the playa.
Dust Storms
Burning man occurs in the desert which means, there is dust everywhere! Burners often use bandanas and masks to shield their nostrils from the terrible storm. According to attendees, the soot goes on your clothes, vehicles, and food.
Experts decided to examine the particles flying around during the dust storms. They found that the air quality during these occurrences is way below national air quality standards. Most of the dust storms are created by the large volume of people walking on the playa. That's why some prefer to retreat to this spot...
Deep Playa
For those moments when you want to leave the lights and noise of the playa, you can ride even deeper into the desert to what's called the deep playa. This is a serene space that is filled with varying exhibits and fewer people.
Burners who have traveled to the deep playa describe it as a strangely personal and special place. One attendee even stated that they came across a "couch with umbrellas and a firepit." And if you think the deep playa sounds great, they also have Ted Talks at the event!
TEDx
Well, it's not exactly Ted Talks, but it falls under the same category. TEDx is an independently organized program at the event where live speakers spark discussions and debates among interested burners.
They still follow the rules and guidelines of the Ted Talks brand but add a little burning man twist. We guess the principle of radical inclusion is taken very seriously, and it's easy to see that burning man offers something for everyone. So if you're looking to attend, you might want to consider joining one of these theme camps.
Theme Camps
As we mentioned earlier, some people band together to share resources and deliver a group gift to the other burners. Popular theme camps include Karma love camp, Hellfire society, burners without borders, and Playa bike repair.
To join one of these camps, you most probably have to be referred by an existing member. The burning man project website provides more information on how first-timers can get into one of these camps. But camp life aside, how do you think these burners connect to the internet (a staple in modern society)?
Internet Access
When the burning man event first started gaining popularity, there wasn't much access to the internet. After all, the nine-day festival takes place in the desert. But with our need for constantly being connected, some improvements have been made.
There's been an increase in cell phone towers near the area to give burners better access to the outside world. Some camps even offer free wifi, but with so many attendees, it's still challenging to get the same speeds you're used to at home. So, is burning man still on for this year?
On Hold
Unfortunately, the 2020 and 2021 burning man event was canceled due to the worldwide pandemic. Burning man welcomes thousands of people from all over the world and has decided to focus on the 2022 event rather than putting anyone at risk.
But some burners have returned to the Black Rock City desert anyways. And even more, people have broken out into smaller groups and held their own burning man in different locations around the world. But the popularity of burning man still leaves one major question unanswered...
Has The Man Won?
Some feel that the burning man's guiding principles are being challenged and that the event may have lost its soul. Here are some reasons why seasoned burners believe that the man may have finally won.
Ticket prices have skyrocketed over the years, making it more difficult for everyone to be included. It also seems like Silicon Valley billionaires have taken over by purchasing countless tickets and hiring staff to set up their stations. Has burning man changed for the worse? Let us know what you think.