Burning Man

Burning man started in 1986 as a gathering for 20 people. In 2023, more than 74,000 attendees became a part of Black Rock City and got caught in the rain.

During Burning Man 2023, unexpected heavy rainfall and road closures in the desert led to thousands of attendees becoming trapped in the mud with limited resources. The parties and rituals prevailed, but burners also suffered serious consequences with injuries, lost and damaged supplies, and one death.

Since 1986, the Burning Man organization has shared a census tracking growth, fluctuations, demographics, and burners' attitudes each year. Part of the organization's motivation is to monitor and reduce carbon emissions at the event.

Burning Man initially gained momentum thanks to the bohemians of San Francisco’s 1980s countercultural scene. Artists and other influential figure helped spread the word to make it one of the largest festivals in the US.

While attendees or "burners" are living in the desert and creating a new city for themselves, they are encouraged to follow 10 principles that promote an ethos of civic responsibility, community, and individual expression.

Larry Harvey, the co-founder of Burning Man, wanted to create a bohemian retreat from everyday society by offering a break from commercialization while providing time to focus on autonomy, shared experience, and "transcendence."

Each year Burning Man's Black Rock City sees major achievements in design. Many creators remain anonymous and do not seek fame, profit, or acclaim, valuing the process of creating, and seeking to cultivate culture and identity.

Huge sculptures, mutant vehicles, concert stages, the Man, and other spectacles created at Burning Man each year are often destroyed by the end of the event. If they aren't burned, they'll often be repurposed or trashed.

Burning Man is often associated with lawlessness, debauchery, and controversies, but the actual festival has many complex parts, including an ethos that promotes radical self-acceptance and caring for your community.

A first-hand account from habitual burner Theresa Christine gives insight into the unique festival offering endless art, entertainment, parties, and genuine interactions with strangers.