A Language Of Their Own
Apart from people participating and having a strong sense of community, burners have their own lingo. They call the land “The Paya,” which actually means beach in Spanish. All new attendees are encouraged to fully immerse themselves in the experience and learn the lingo.
A Language Of Their Own
A Tradition Shared With Friends
In 1986 co-founder, Larry Harvey built a 9-foot wooden sculpture of a man and at the end of the summer, he and his friends burnt it on a beach in San Francisco. This became a tradition they continued year after year and that’s how the show began.
A Tradition Shared With Friends
Love And Lights
Neon lights were added to Burning Man in 1991 so people wouldn’t get lost in the desert. Michael Mikel, known as “Danger Ranger” founded a group called the Black Rock Rangers. They’re there to break up any fights and to keep everyone safe.
Love And Lights
Growing Attendance
When Harvey got a permit to hold the festival in 1991, there were only 250 people that attended. But attendance kept growing year after year and in 1995, around 4,000 people attended. By 2010 there were more than 50,000 people came.
Growing Attendance
Hollywood Mentions
Burning Man has become such a unique phenomenon in pop culture that it has even been acknowledged by Hollywood. Famous TV shows like Malcolm in the Middle, South Park, and The Simpson have referenced the show in one of their episodes.
Hollywood Mentions
Barney’s Motto Put Into Practice
Barney the purple dinosaur was onto something when he taught kids how sharing is caring. Well, at Burning Man, that’s the motto burners go by. They share and trade anything with other burners. This communal effort is welcomed by all attendees.
Barney’s Motto Put Into Practice
A Mourning Place
There’s a temple that was built for people to mourn their loved ones at Burning Man. They’re encouraged to write a letter to their deceased loved ones and leave it at the temple. The temple is then burnt at the end of the festival.
A Mourning Place
Hippies Are Not The Only Attendees
It may seem like only hippies would attend but there are also some wealthy people who attend too. Some come in their RVs, or with their own chefs, and even bodyguards. They usually create their own little camp and do their own thing.
Hippies Are Not The Only Attendees
Ruining The Vibe Of The Festival
Unfortunately, some people feel that the luxury camps contradict the essence of what the festival is about and ruin the vibe. Harvey insists that there’s no discrimination based on how much money people have as long as they play by the rules.
Ruining The Vibe Of The Festival
A Growing Franchise
If you’re from abroad and can’t make it to Nevada you don’t have to miss out on the experience. Burning Man has inspired many around the world to host their own festivals with the same spirit in New Zealand, China, Australia, and Kiwiburn.
A Growing Franchise
Disregarding The Rules
Like with most things where a large number of people participate, some rules are not always followed. They have a “Leave No Trace” rule at the festival, which means they mustn’t litter but should clean up after themselves but it doesn’t always happen.
Disregarding The Rules
Hugs All Round
It’s a tradition that first-timers called “virgins” must be greeted with hugs the whole weekend. There’s even a Hug Deli where different hugs are exchanged. When they first arrive they also roll in the sand and shout three times “I’m not a virgin anymore!”
Hugs All Round
A Giant Van De Graaff Generator
People from different walks of life attend the festival because it’s something that everyone should try to experience at least once in their life. The displays are incredible. There’s even something that looks like a huge Van De Graaf generator there.
A Giant Van De Graaff Generator
Following The Rules
As the festival began to grow Harvey realized that in order to maintain order, he had to create rules. He came up with ten rules that burners have to follow if they want to be part of the experience. Let’s go through them.
Following The Rules
The Radical Self-Expression Rule
Burners are encouraged to be creative and express their creativity anyway they please. Some people make art pieces, others make personalized gifts, others make a statement with their clothing. Some wear no clothing at all and that’s how they express themselves.
The Radical Self Expression Rule
A Civic Responsibility
There are burners that create scheduled events such as wine tasting, live performances, and art-making. They’re all free of charge but each has a leader. These leaders have the responsibility to follow federal, local, and state laws because they’re still bound by them.
A Civic Responsibility
Leaving No Trace
This rule is pretty self-explanatory. It means that at the end of the festival everyone must clean up after themselves. They need to dispose of trash, leftover food, and their tents in an appropriate manner. The place should look like no one was ever there.
Leaving No Trace
Immediacy
This idea of “immediate experience” is one of the key principles of Burning Man. it’s about the idea that burners must live in the moment and they should use the festival as a means of discovering themselves and their true nature.
Immediacy
The Radical Inclusion Law
This law states that anyone can be a part of Burning Man. Everyone is allowed to participate as long as they follow the rules. Strangers from all walks of life are respected and welcome and there are no prerequisites for participating in their community.
The Radical Inclusion Law
Radical Self-Reliance and Trading
The festival takes place in the middle of the desert so it’s not five-star accommodation. If anyone has any special requirements they but bring it themselves. A tot of attendees trade for necessities but it’s best to bring your own supplies.
Radical Self Reliance And Trading
The Rule of Gifting
There are absolutely no cash exchanges at Burning Man, it’s actually forbidden. People are encouraged to give gifts and exchange favors instead. They have a trading system where something is exchanged for something else, be it a physical gift or a favor.
The Rule Of Gifting
The Decommodification Rule
Other than lemonade and coffee which is sold at the center camp, nothing else is sold at the festival. In keeping with the tradition of gifting, people at the camp must rely on trading and sharing for anything they want.
The Decommodification Rule
The Communal Effort Rule
The idea of community is a central part of the experience. Participants are called burners, and they’re always willing to help their fellow burners in need. Everyone is friendly and pro-actively helps each other be it with a bottle of water, extra clothes, or food.
The Communal Effort Rule
The Rule of Participation
People are encouraged to trade and share ideas and rather than just observe, they’re encouraged to participate. The foundation of the show is to show how both individual and social change can only happen when there’s personal and deep participation.
The Rule Of Participation
The Couple Sculpture
Some artists bring their own art pieces to the festival to share their creativity. So it can be expensive to attend but that’s not always the case. It’s your responsibility to bring a gift to share but it doesn’t have to be expensive.
The Couple Sculpture
An Incredible Alebrije Sculpture
According to Mexican tradition, Alebrijes are colorful spirits that guide the dead to the afterlife. The idea came from Pedro Linares after he had a dream whilst being sick, of an enchanted forest. Some Mexican attendees make Alebrije figurines and sell them.
An Incredible Alebrije Sculpture
A Piece called “Mariposita”
“Mariposita” means Little Butterfly in Spanish. It was created by Chris Carnabuci who is an artist from New York. This sculpture looks even grander in the middle of the Nevada desert and is quite a sight to see at night.
A Piece Called “Mariposita”
The Embrace
Some sculptures were made to shine at night but this one is better appreciated during the day. Because it is so polished there’s an incredible play of light which makes it look like water. It was created from steel and hand-polished by Michael Benistry.
The Embrace
Staying Cool In The Heat
It’s very important to keep in mind that it gets extremely hot in the desert and the air is dry. Even at night, it can become hard to breathe because of the dry air. It’s a good idea to use hats, neckerchiefs, and sunglasses.
Staying Cool In The Heat
Different Camps
The vibe is a bit more eccentric at the bigger camps. The bigger camps can accommodate hundreds of people. Some people have made friends for life at these camps and there are even couples whose love story began at the festival.
Different Camps
Dressing Up
People love to dress up to attend the festival. Motifs and animal costumes are very popular. Why do people like to dress up as animals will always be a mystery but at least they’re embracing the idea of self-expression with their clothes.
Dressing Up
Tattoo Artists Scarce
Because of the kind of crowd that Burning Man attracts, you’d expect to find tattoo artists there. But surprisingly, there are none. Maybe it’s because of the non-sterile environment that the desert provides. Some have tried but it wasn’t successful.
Tattoo Artists Scarce
Doing It As A Family
Many people will tell you that they’ve met a new “family” while at the festival but some families actually like to attend together. There are many brothers, sisters, moms, cousins, and dads you’ll meet there. Kids were allowed at first but now it’s adults only.
Doing It As A Family
The Rich And Famous
People from all walks of life attend, even some celebrities. Cara DeLevigne and Paris Hilton were spotted one year. They’re a little more low-key when it comes to participation for obvious reasons though. They stay in their luxury camp but still enjoy the experience.
The Rich And Famous
No Corporate Sponsors
No corporate sponsors are allowed at the festival but some companies try to advertise at the event in different ways. Victoria’s Secret has been sending their models there every year since 2016. They wear masks but everyone knows who they are.
No Corporate Sponsors
The Elephant Sculpture
Another incredible sculpture displayed at the festival is the Elephant sculpture. People love to pose and take pictures with it. Each art piece forms part of the experience and adds to the vibe of Burning Man. Each person walks away with a unique experience.
The Elephant Sculpture
The Burning Man Sculpture
This all started with a sculpture of a wooden burning man and that tradition ultimately birthed this festival. The festival is a week-long and on Saturday the Man is burned. Then the temple of mourning is also burned to conclude the week.
The Burning Man Sculpture
A Daredevil Ladder
The best thing about the festival is that it’s interactive. That means that visitors can participate and experience certain exhibitions first hand. Not everyone is up for climbing this ladder as it looks a little dangerous though, but those who want to can.
A Daredevil Ladder
Shower Together To Save Water
Believe it or not, you can shower at Burning Man. Well, if you count soaking in a big foam bath full of bubbles as showering. These baths are communal and the rule is you have to wash ten people before you can bathe yourself.
Shower Together To Save Water
Fire Brings Life
True the festival’s name burning structures at the end of the week is a highlight for those who attend. Fire is said to signify life and new beginnings. This is a lot more than just a party or a performance it’s a lot more!
Fire Brings Life
A Stylish Solution
Everyone knows that one of the only drawbacks of being at Burning Man is all of the dust that gets all over the place. Sometimes you just have to cut your losses and come prepared, as this couple did. At least they took advantage of the situation and incorporated some style into the functionality.
A Stylish Solution
Cone Down
It certainly gets hot in the desert, and you know what that means? Ice cream! While this 30 ft. tall upside down cone won’t actually keep anyone at the festival cooled down, it’s definitely a sight to marvel at. The giant ice cream cone was created by Looking Up Arts.
Cone Down
That’s A Lot Of Hair
We give this woman a lot of credit for going absolutely all out in her coordination of her hair and outfit for the festival. However, we can’t help but wonder just how heavy all of this rope must be on her head! At the very least, we hope she’s staying hydrated.
That’s A Lot Of Hair
Cookie Monster
We all get crazy cookie cravings once in a while, but imagine building a van that embodies Cookie Monster from Sesame Street! This hilarious and creative van is definitely one of the most interesting rides we’ve ever seen.
Cookie Monster
Corpus
This amazing structure is called “Corpus” and was created by artist Michael Christian. The avant-guard sculpture is reminiscent of an extraterrestrial creature with long spindly legs. The structure even featured a ladder so people could climb up into the pod to enjoy some shade from the sun.
Corpus
Electro-Pyramid
While being at Burning Man during the day is an experience in itself, the whole festival transforms during the night. Everything lights up and people cover their bicycles in electroluminescent wires so the whole desert lights up. Here is one of the illuminated pyramids that adorn the festival grounds at night.
Electro-Pyramid
Expectations Turned Upside Down
Yet another unexpected and stunning sculpture, this time done by Vasily Klyukin and Zurab Ermilov. The piece, entitled “Why People Can’t Fly,” truly gave festival-goers something to think about as they came across it. What do you think it means?
Expectations Turned Upside Down
Later Gator
Sometimes, we all just have to be one with nature. This incredible statue captures the ferocity of the mighty gator. The sculpture is decorated with dazzling mosaics in varying shades of green and blue in order to give an impression of alligator skin texture.
Later Gator
Love Letters
Some things are just too good not to reprise, as was the case with Laura Kimpton’s “LOVE” letters. Her work has frequently appeared at Burning Man, and these letters were so beloved that they made an additional appearance. The letters are a great photo-opp, as festival-goers will climb on top of them in fun poses.
Love Letters
Mad Max
You might think that we’ve made a mistake by adding a photo from the set of sci-fi film Mad Max, but look once again. Although this sculpture looks like it could be lifted right out of that film universe, it’s actually a statue found at Burning Man!
Mad Max
Seeing Rainbows
We’ve heard the expression “lashes for days,” but this guy really took it to the next level. He made sure to match his eyelashes to his colorful rainbow feather boa-jacket combo. We hope that his eyelash glue is strong enough to hold all day!
Seeing Rainbows
To Infinity And Beyond
It wouldn’t be a Burning Man festival without a giant LED-illuminated spaceship, right? What’s more, this is actually a real and working van, so people can pile in and travel aboard!
To Infinity And Beyond
Slonik The Elephant
This giant, 75 foot tall to be exact, neon elephant is called “#slonik” and was created by artist Michael Tsaturyan in order to raise awareness of the threat of extinction elephants face in Asia and Africa. Tsaturyan said: “If we allow elephants to become extinct, it’s going to damage the entire eco-chain, including humans themselves.”
Slonik The Elephant
Stunning Shimmer
This gorgeous piece by Emily Nicolosi is called “Koro Loko” and is not only a stunning sculpture in its own right, but it emanates and reflects a shimmer onto the sand, creating an incredible atmosphere around it. Nicolosi made sure to include benches nearby so passersby could relax and bask in the beauty.
Stunning Shimmer
Mariposita
This absolutely gorgeous 26-foot tall sculpture was created by artist Christ Canabuci. He wanted to represent rebirth and transformation and so the structure depicts a woman emerging from an egg. He named the statue Mariposita, meaning butterfly in Spanish, which fits right into the year’s Burning Man theme, “Metamorphosis.”
Mariposita
A Mandala In The Dark
While so many art pieces commanded attention during the day, many pieces shone at night. This time, this piece literally shone after nightfall, as it was a light installation called “Mandala: Natural Form” which was created by DASTAN.
A Mandala In The Dark
Wings Of Glory
Many of the art pieces showcased at Burning Man actually transformed from daytime to nighttime, as was the case with “Wings of Glory,” which was designed by Adrian Landon. The huge mechanical pegasus moved and flapped its wings in slow-mo during the day, and come nightfall, its wings impressively lit up on fire.
Wings Of Glory
Wings Of A Butterfly
This year’s Burning Man theme was “Metamorphosis,” so naturally many chose to interpret this theme through its classic symbol, the butterfly. This specific butterfly features gorgeous floral paintings adorning its wings. The small podium in front of the statue provides a perfect photo opportunity.
Wings Of A Butterfly
The Burning Man
What would the Burning Man festival be without a final night of celebrations? On the last evening of the festival, the actual “Burning Man” statue is lit up and features a display of fireworks and fire shows at the bottom of the statue.
The Burning Man
Signaling The End
As the grand finale, the “Burning Man” effigy is finally set on fire and burns for hours, signaling the end of the festival, as people celebrate and enjoy their final night on the Playa.
Signaling The End
