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Entertainment February 9, 2017
We propose a challenge. Imagine you have a bucket list. Now, imagine you can only do one item on that bucket list for span of your entire life. What would you do? Though it may not pop into your mind instantly, have you ever considered attending Burning Man? If so, you need a Burning Man survival guide.
If you’re not in the know about Burning Man, we’ll break it down for you.
Every year, thousands of “burners” pack up a week’s worth of supplies and head to Black Rock Desert in Nevada and escape the “default world” into the mystical wonderland that is Burning Man. It’s hard to put a single description to the Burning Man experience, since it’s so vast and obscure.
What title do you put to an event with sequin-tuxedos stilt walkers, flaming metal octopi vehicles, huge glowing iridescent art installments, splatter-painted nude bodies, white-out dust storms, and non-stop dancing until dawn? Need we say more?
Your interest is peaked, and it should be! Burning Man is an event unlike any other on this planet. And thankfully, ENTITY has created the most comprehensive Burning Man survival guide ever – just in time for the 2017 Burning Man in August.
Want to know what the whole “Burning Man” thing is about? (It’s a lot more literal than you may expect.) Whether you want to undergo a spiritual transformation or just need an excuse to wear that shiny hot pink bodysuit that’s been sitting in your closet, we’ve got you. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the one and only Burning Man experience.
The first “Burning Man” occurred in 1986 when its originators – Larry Harvey, Jerry James and some of their friends – went to Baker Beach, San Francisco on the summer solstice to burn a 9-foot-tall wooden man they had constructed. (Because that’s what all the cool kids did in the 1980s, right?).
In the book This Is Burning Man, author Brian Doherty states that the burning was a form of “radical self-expression,” for the men. Soon, others were inspired by the burning effigy, and held their own “burning man” events. Around 1990, two men named Kevin Evans and John Law moved the event to Black Rock Desert. In the beginning, the event gained members just through word of mouth, and 1996 marked its first public debut. Since then, it has snowballed into the 70,000-person extravaganza that it is today.
Though Burning Man is a full-on escape from the consumeristic “default world” we live in, that’s not to say there are no rules in the desert. Burning Man has set up 10 tenets to be followed during the retreat, which epitomize Burning Man’s way of life and mindset. This is perhaps the most important part on this Burning Man survival guide, so pay attention.
There are no requirements to be a part of the Burning Man community. Strangers and newcomers are welcomed – as long as you welcome everyone in return.
One of the most well-known aspects of Burning Man is the existence of the “gifting economy.” Don’t come to the event with tons of cash in your wallet; you can only use it to buy ice or coffee from the Center Camp. Other than that, participants are encouraged to take full advantage of the gifting economy – which includes “gifts” ranging from grilled cheese stands to hair-washing stations. “Gifts” are not necessary physical objects, either. A gift can come in the form of a smile, a helping hand, or a compliment! (The gifting economy is not a bartering economy.)
Advertisements and the presence of corporate influence are not allowed within Burning Man. This also supports the idea that no transactions are allowed within the premises.
The Burning Man website describes this goal as encouragement for “the individual to discover, exercise and rely on his or her inner resources.” Interpret that how you will…but it definitely sounds like a trip.
Leave your inhibitions at home. Burning Man is based on 100% acceptance, so take advantage of it. (This means crying if you want to cry, dancing if you want to dance, leaking your secrets to strangers, and wearing 60 feather boas at once if you feel so inclined.)
Burning Man is merely a large community gathering. It supports collaboration, sharing public space, creating works of art and true human connection amongst attendees. This is not the event for loners or hermits – though it could definitely help you emerge from your shell.
Despite all the debauchery that goes on (naked Twister anyone?), Burning Man strictly follows local, state and federal laws. It urges visitors to do the same. (You may be escaping from society…but that doesn’t mean you can ditch the law!)
One thing to keep in mind when packing for Burning Man is its “leave no trace” policy, which means everything that comes in comes out. Take responsibility for your own trash, no matter how insignificant it may seem. People examine every inch of the venue after the event to make sure no trash is left behind. Cleaning up also helps ensure that the landowners will continue to approve Burning Man using their land. Don’t make someone else’s life harder – or risk this epic event getting cancelled!
This is one activity that you don’t want to just stand around and watch. There are endless events and activities for you to participate in, so go get involved! Whether it be an obscure yoga class, watching a live TED talk, or a dance party, get involved with all that the Burning Man community has to offer.
Some of the craziest activities one 2015 Burning Man attendee saw? Everything from potato-sack races in the middle of the road to a human “Hungry Hungry hippos” battle (using upside down storage bins to “eat” balls) to a wedding complete with bagpipes. If you can’t find something awesome to get involved with at Burning Man…well, you’re probably beyond the help of this survival guide.
Experience and savor each moment at Burning Man. Don’t allow outside forces to hinder your experience. Contemplate your inner and external existence head-on. That’s what Burning Man is all about.
At the end of the week, a 60 foot (or bigger) effigy of the wooden man – whose details change every year, such as a man on a space ship – is burned to smithereens.
The symbolism of the burn is up to the viewer – but that doesn’t keep people from arguing over what it really means. Some rumors point to the idea that Harvey originally burned the effigy to get over a break-up or as a form of “guerrilla art.” Others believe that the towering monument is meant to represent “the man,” crooked politics, or an overly consumeristic society, etc. Some even connect the burning to the “leave no trace” mindset of Burning Man itself or experience a spiritual awakening.
Basically, the takeaway of the burning differs for every person. So, instead of overthinking it, focus on marveling at the flames and dancing on the ashes!
If you haven’t already been dusting off your 80s prom dress and ordering a tinsel wig online whilst reading this article, feel free to get on that. Burning Man is an experience unlike any other and this Burning Man survival guide will prepare you for it.
In fact, besides this guide, the only thing you’ll need is your tickets – which have already started going on sale for Burning Man 2017, from August 27 to September 4. This year’s theme is “Radical Ritual” and participants are invited to create and explore their own rituals, rites and spiritual beliefs.
Burning Man changes every year, so whether you’re a Burning Man virgin or a dust veteran, you’re bound to experience something new. The only aspects that don’t change? The fact that Burning Man is an event full of genuine human experience, zero judgement, and creative communal effort…plus plenty of surprises.
