The countdown to Burning Man has begun! For the last 32 years “Burners” from around the world have been drawn to Black Rock Desert to experience the biggest, sexiest, most extreme, alternative society festival in the world.
Last year, 70,000 people made the pilgrimage to build this temporary metropolis, complete with some 250+ otherworldly mutant vehicles and fantastical art installations. All the structures are built on an alkali dry lake bed in the middle of the playa. These buildings include “The Man” and “The Temple,” which are famously burned at the end of the festival to a mesmerizingly epic effect.
The festival is totally dedicated to self-expression, creativity, tech, and art. The art is absolutely astonishing! So imaginative and like nothing I have ever seen before. Visitors are awed by art of all kinds, whether it’s an art car, an art board, or the open stage nights that are filled with poetry, spoken word, and singing. I could have spent last year’s festival just sitting on a bench and people watching all day!
People go to Burning Man for many different reasons, and not just for stereotypical self-gratification, nudity, and consumption of intoxicants. Out of pure curiosity, I went with mom as a “virgin burner” to see the sites, to grow and expand our perspectives, to create art, and to learn circus-like Acro Yoga. But, truth be told, curiosity was the main motivation!
I was also intrigued by the idea that the Playa itself is magical — not just in its looks, but in its actions. People say that there is some real magic on the Playa. I really wanted to experience all the weird, wild, and wonderful things Burning Man had to offer.
Larry Harvey, one of the founders of Burning Man, is rumored to have said, “Resist the urge to fear change. It’s just an opportunity for expanded perspective and understanding.”
That is exactly what I thought to myself while making the journey to Burning Man, and that is what pushed me through the rough times. My hope is that all Burners , both the old and new, enjoy this year and resist the urge to fear change!
Travel tip: Make sure to bring goggles, a face mask, and boots because the dirt WILL get it in your lungs and eyes!
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