Over the years, Burning Man has evolved and fashioned its own governing organization along with real city problems and opportunities. (Just imagine what it takes to provide any kind of infrastructure to tens of thousands of people for just one day. Now multiply it by nine days. Yup — insane.)
Nevertheless, the sense of place and community at Burning Man is undeniable. When organizing a community, it’s essential to clearly outline what you expect from the participants if you want them to be willing and active members and advocates. It also helps that one of the core principles is active participation.
Departure
Here we see rows of hundreds of cars, vans, trucks, bikes, and various hybrid, man-made vehicles a la Frankenstein on their departure back, as they leave Black Rock City to return to the world. Many arrive by car but the few Burners who can afford it arrive by private planes or helicopters.
It's not an easy place to get to — it's not like you can just take a bus or the subway. Still, once you get there, it can also be incredibly hard to leave. But those people who are prepared to make the strenuous journey do it because they want to be there.
Releasing Social Stigma
At its core, this temporary city in the Black Rock Desert, as well as other Burn cities around the world, has forged a permanent community of people who are dedicated to celebrating creativity, self-expression, cultural differences, knowledge sharing, releasing social stigma, and so much more.
All to create this massive, unique experience, filled with individuals from all over, smack dab in the middle of the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. It is beautiful to see how such a barren place can bloom and blossom with art, friendships, and collaboration. All you need is people who are devoted to the concept.
What to Bring
When one arrives at Burning Man, you are expected to come with absolutely everything that you could possibly need while you’re there and then some for the community. It all depends on what you can gift people and what is required from you based on your camp's needs. Most camps will divide the equipment and workload among their people.
That includes water, shelter, a first aid kit, food, flashlights (the desert is very dark at night), apparel to accommodate extreme and unpredictable weather, batteries, a mask (to protect yourself from breathing too much of that powdery sand), and trash storage.
Daring Costumes
Costumes are encouraged, and the fashion is imaginative, with attendees following trends and lots of colors and creating some of the most daring ensembles ever. This is how you get people like the guy in this picture. He was in the mood for being an alien for a few days and had the kangaroo boots and body paint to execute his wishes.
Good on him! There is no better place than Burning Man to feel like you are on another planet. For many, Burning Man is a way to disconnect from the 'real' world, so when they return to the real world, it can feel like a fresh start.