Burning Man

About

Burning Man is an annual festival held in Nevada's Black Rock Desert, known for its vibrant blend of art, music, and community building. Founded in 1986 by Larry Harvey and Jerry James, it began as a small gathering on San Francisco's Baker Beach, where they burned a wooden effigy. The event has grown into a massive cultural phenomenon, attracting tens of thousands of participants worldwide. Burning Man is guided by ten core principles: Radical Inclusion, Gifting, Decommodification, Radical Self-Reliance, Radical Self-Expression, Communal Effort, Civic Responsibility, Leaving No Trace, Participation, and Immediacy. The festival culminates in the burning of a large wooden effigy, known as "The Man," symbolizing the event's core values. Participants, or "Burners," actively contribute by creating art installations, volunteering, and engaging in community projects. The temporary city, Black Rock City, is built and dismantled by volunteers, embodying self-reliance and community collaboration. Each year features a unique theme that influences the event's art and activities. Burning Man extends beyond the festival itself, fostering a lifestyle that emphasizes creativity, sustainability, and community engagement in everyday life.