Burning Man

Burning Man is an annual event that has captivated the hearts and minds of its attendees since 1986. Originally initiated on Baker Beach in San Francisco by Larry Harvey and Jerry James, this unique gathering has since found a permanent home in Nevada's Black Rock Desert, where it transforms into Black Rock City for a week each year.

At its core, Burning Man is an experiment in community and art, guided by ten principles: Radical Inclusion, Gifting, Decommodification, Radical Self-Reliance, Radical Self-Expression, Communal Effort, Civic Responsibility, Leaving No Trace, Participation, and Immediacy. One of the event's highlights is the burning of a massive wooden effigy, known simply as "The Man" on the final evening.

Since its humble beginnings, Burning Man has grown significantly. By 2019, it attracted 78,850 participants, all contributing to the creation of an extraordinary temporary city filled with experimental sculptures, performances, art cars, and more, inspired by an annual theme set by the Burning Man Project.

The Burning Man Project, a non-profit organization that took over from Black Rock City LLC in 2013, is responsible for organizing the event. They also support smaller regional gatherings worldwide that adhere to the same principles. A key tenet of Burning Man is the "Leave No Trace" policy, which emphasizes environmental stewardship by ensuring that participants clean up after themselves.

Despite its many admirers, Burning Man has faced criticism. Concerns have been raised about its environmental impact, the influx of affluent attendees leading to gentrification, and restrictions on photography. Nevertheless, the ethos of Burning Man has inspired similar events globally, some officially linked to the main event through the Burning Man Regional Network.

Burning Man's influence extends beyond the desert, permeating popular culture, including books, TV shows, and films. Several documentaries have also been made, offering a deeper look into the event's history, impact, and the vibrant community that brings it to life each year.