burning man

Every year, more than 50,000 participants, or "burners", build a temporary city in the desert to celebrate community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. This is Black Rock City, the location of Burning Man. It has been described as looking like a Mad Max theme-party thrown by freaks, punks, hippies, and ravers, at a refugee camp for homeless carnies, somewhere in the Sahara Desert. Yet it’s much more than that. Burning Man used to be just a few hundred "insiders" each year. It grew by word of mouth until in 1996 there were 8000 people on the playa, and not enough organization to keep people safe. Several people were seriously injured. Someone died. The anarchists insisted the event must end--it was too big to operate on anarchist principles. Others insisted it could grow and flourish, but would need essential organization and structure. The organizers were right. Today over 50,000 people experience this amazing event each year, and have their minds blown by the freedom, generosity, and creativity they share with friends old and new. Many new participants will leave Black Rock City changed forever by immediate, profound experience. Witnessing Black Rock City proves something important about all of our potential as human beings. All are welcome to participate at Burning Man. There are no prerequisites for inclusion. It is a do-ocracy... if you want to participate, if you want to help, sign up and help. But be careful: Burning Man may change your life.