Burning Man.
To some, it’s a mysterious event held on what could be considered another planet.
To others, it’s a way of life that culminates at an annual gathering in Nevada’s Black Rock desert.
Regardless of your personal experience (or lack thereof) with Burning Man culture, there’s no denying that it has defined itself as one of the most sought-after events of the year. A record total of 68,000 “burners” flocked to the desert for this year’s event.
Burning Man is best experienced rather than described, but it’s essentially a temporary city “dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance.”
Very few onsite events are arranged by Burning Man organizers. Instead, all the musical performances, lectures, art installations, workshops, theme camps, and other features are curated by participants themselves. Black Rock City has a post office, daily newspaper, radio station, and more. Attendees pledge to “leave no trace” after the event concludes.
Since most of us didn’t get the chance to participate in this year’s event — held Aug. 26 through Sept. 2 — here’s a glimpse into the art and culture on the Burning Man playa:
Photo by Vivek Sekar
Photo by Neil Girling
Photo by Neil Girling
Photo by Neil Girling
Photo by Neil Girling
Photo by Neil Girling
Photo by Neil Girling
Photo by Neil Girling
Photo by Neil Girling
Photo by Neil Girling
Photo by Neil Girling
Photo by Neil Girling
Photo by Neil Girling
Photo by Neil Girling
Photo by Neil Girling
Photo by Neil Girling
Photo by Neil Girling
Photo by Neil Girling
Photo by Neil Girling
Photo by Neil Girling
Photo by Neil Girling
Photo by Neil Girling
Photo by Trey Ratcliff
Photo by Trey Ratcliff
Photo by Dave Rimington
Photo by Dave Rimington
Photo by Dave Rimington
Photo by Trey Ratcliff
Photo by George Krieger
Photo by Jeff Huber
Photo by Jeff Huber
Photo by Jeff Huber
Photo by Jeff Huber
Photo by Jeff Huber
Photo by Adam Bacchus
Photo by Adam Bacchus
Photo by Curtis Simmons
Photo by Jim Urquhart/Reuters
Photo by Jim Urquhart/Reuters
Photo by Jim Urquhart/Reuters
Photo by Jonathan Goody
Photo by Trey Ratcliff
Photo by Curtis Simmons
Photo by Trey Ratcliff
