Burning Man is a week-long, large-scale desert event focused on community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance, held annually in the western United States. The event is not a festival but a community and global cultural movement guided by 10 practical Principles. The name "Burning Man" comes from its culminating ceremony, the symbolic burning of a large wooden effigy, referred to as the Man, which occurs on the penultimate night of the event, Saturday evening before Labor Day.
Key features and aspects of Burning Man include:
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Community: The event is a gathering of tens of thousands of participants, known as "Burners," who come together to create a temporary metropolis called Black Rock City in the Nevada desert. The global Burning Man community also co-creates Regional Events in more than 35 countries around the world.
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Art: A hallmark of Burning Man is large-scale interactive installation art inspired by the intersection of maker culture, technology, and nature. Many works invite participation through climbing, touch, technological interfaces, or motion. At night, much of the artwork is illuminated by fire or LEDs.
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Self-expression: Participants are encouraged to express themselves creatively through various forms, including art, costumes, performances, and interactive experiences.
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Self-reliance: Burners are expected to be self-reliant, bringing their own food, water, and supplies to the event. The emphasis on self-reliance extends to personal well-being and safety.
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Decommodification: Burning Man promotes a culture that values experiences over commercialism, rejecting corporatism and capitalism. Instead of using money, attendees often borrow, barter, and gift items and services.
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Participation: The event is shaped by the activities of its participants, and there are numerous ways to get involved, from contributing to art projects to hosting workshops and events.
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Global ecosystem: The nonprofit Burning Man Project produces the annual Burning Man event in Black Rock City and provides year-round support, connection, education, and grants to an ever-growing network of Regional Burning Man communities in more than 40 US states and 35 countries.
