Please Do Touch the Art
Although Burning Man isn’t technically a festival, there are aspects of the event that give art festival vibes. Basically, Burning Man is a lot like an outdoor, 100% interactive museum where you’re encouraged to touch the art. Many large-scale pieces and installations are built to be collaborative and activated by the Burning Man community. These giant, colorful cellos are perfect examples of community-activated art.
During the festival, anyone could walk up to these instruments and begin playing. So even if a Burner had never touched an instrument in their life, they’d still get the opportunity to interact with this piece. These giant cellos might have even been part of a communal burning at the end of the week, which would have added another level of meaning to the piece.
Burning Man Fashion
Burning Man has its own unique sense of style. Part “Mad Max,” part steampunk, the usual Burning Man attire is edgy, cool, and avant-garde. Over the years, the week-long event has become one of the biggest holidays for adults to dress up outside of Halloween. Before you head out to the Black Rock Desert, though, you need to know the rules.
It may seem like anything goes at Burning Man, but there are some definite fashion no-nos. Glitter and sequins are highly frowned upon because these materials can fall off costumes and pollute the delicate ecosystem of the Playa. Feathers are also discouraged, but it seems like the woman on the left in the photo snuck some in. No matter what you wear, make sure your costume is eco-friendly and follows the “leave no trace” principle of Burning Man.
Fire, Fire, Everywhere
If there’s one stereotype about Burning Man that rings true, it’s that there’s fire everywhere. Fire art, open campfires, and flame effects are just some examples of how fire is utilized during the week-long event. Although many outsiders consider Burning Man a free-for-all bacchanal, the organizers take fire safety very seriously.
All fire art installations are approved after a rigorous approval process. Artists need to make diagrams, a safety plan, and an emergency response plan before they can even begin building their vision. If a Burner’s vehicle has pyrotechnics installed, it must be inspected by the Playa’s DMV (Department of Mutant Vehicles). Overall, Burning Man wants everyone to have fun while being safe. The only things that should be burning are the larger-than-life art installations.
Be Prepared for Anything
The weather at Burning Man is no joke. Many first-timers think the Black Rock Desert is just hot and flat, but it’s so much more. Goggles, masks, and bandanas are absolutely essential for Burners during their stay in Black Rock City. Desert winds can reach up to 30 miles per hour, which is perfect for a surprise dust storm.
No Burner should leave their camp without their goggles. No one wants to get stuck riding their bike through a wall of dust and grime. There’s no way anyone can see through that without getting rocks lodged in their eyes. These guys know what’s up because they have their heavy-duty goggles and masks alongside their party leis. They’re serious about partying, obviously.
Don't Catch "Playa Lung"
We’re used to seeing beautiful photographs of Burning Man, with bright blue skies and an endless horizon. However, the day-to-day reality is much different. Because Burning Man takes place on an ancient dried lake bed, there’s alkaline dust everywhere. In addition, the increase in foot traffic and vehicles at the event in recent years has led to more dust in the air than ever before.
If you go to Burning Man, expect to be covered in dust the whole time. Even if you wear a mask and goggles, a thin layer of dust will inevitably get into every crack and crevice. It’s just a way of life for Burners on the Playa. Although the air quality isn’t the best, experts have said that short-term exposure to the dust doesn’t pose long-term risks for attendees. If you do encounter a dust storm, it’s best to stay in your RV or tent until it passes.