Welcome to the playa, my fellow burners! Whether you're a veteran or a first-timer, Burning Man is an experience like no other. For one week, we leave behind the default world and enter a city of our own creation, built on principles of self-expression, community, and radical self-reliance. But what exactly is Burning Man, and what can you expect from this other-worldly event? Strap on your boots, grab your water bottle, and let's dive in!
Burning Man is an annual event that takes place in the desolate Black Rock Desert in Nevada (Do not confuse this with a festival). Every year, tens of thousands of people gather to create a temporary city that is completely self-sufficient. The Burning Man experience is centered around the burning "the man", a giant wooden effigy, and a smaller temple burn. But Burning Man is so much more than just watching things burn – it's about creativity, community, and self-discovery.
The Burning Man experience is built around a set of ten principles that every participant is encouraged to embrace. These principles include Radical Inclusion, Gifting, Decommodification, Radical Self-reliance, Radical Self-expression, Communal Effort, Civic Responsibility, Leaving No Trace, Participation, and Immediacy. These principles serve as a guide to creating a unique community spirit that is unlike anything else you will experience in your life.
Burning Man is not a spectator event, it is a participatory one. The Burning Man art theme for 2025 is "Tomorrow: Today!" and participants are encouraged to create their own art installations, participate in workshops, give talks, or create performances that may or may not follow this theme. This is a space where you can truly express yourself in any way you choose – whether that be through art, music, performance, fashion, or any other means.
One of the most important things to remember when attending Burning Man is that you must be self-sufficient. You must bring your own food, water, shelter, and other necessities. This includes trash bags, as everything that you bring with you must be taken home when you leave. Burning Man is a Leave No Trace event, which means that you must take everything with you, and any trash that you create must be disposed of properly.
In essence, Burning Man is a city that is built for one week with principles of self-expression and community spirit at its heart. It's a place where you can let your guard down, be yourself, and connect with others in a way that is so often lacking in our default world. It's an opportunity to push your boundaries, try new things, and embrace the freedom and creativity that you may not have discovered before. So dress up in your wildest vision (or don't), wander the playa, and be part of the magic that is Burning Man.