Burning Man is a week-long, large-scale event focused on community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance, held annually in the western United States. It is not a traditional festival but rather a community and global cultural movement guided by 10 practical principles. The event takes place in Black Rock City, a participatory, temporary city in the Nevada desert, and is organized by the nonprofit Burning Man Project.
The name "Burning Man" comes from the events culminating ceremony, where a large wooden effigy, referred to as the Man, is symbolically burned on the penultimate night, which is the Saturday evening before Labor Day. The festival has been a tradition in Black Rock since 1991, with the first event taking place in 1986 when about 30 people gathered to celebrate the summer solstice and burn a 3-meter-high stuffed puppet on the beaches of San Francisco.
Key features of Burning Man include:
- Community: Participants, known as "Burners," come together to create a temporary metropolis, fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration.
- Art: The event is a platform for artists, makers, and community organizers to co-create and showcase their work, resulting in a unique and immersive artistic experience.
- Self-expression: Burners are encouraged to express themselves freely, whether through art, costumes, performances, or other creative means.
- Self-reliance: The event takes place in a harsh desert environment, and participants are responsible for their own survival, including food, water, and shelter.
- Decommodification: Burning Man emphasizes the absence of commercial transactions and the focus on personal connections and experiences.
- Revelry: The festival is known for its vibrant and energetic atmosphere, with music, dancing, and various forms of entertainment.
Participation is a central aspect of Burning Man, and there are numerous ways for individuals to get involved. The global Burning Man community co-creates regional events in more than 35 countries, and the Burning Man Project provides year-round support, connection, education, and grants to this growing network.
