Events - Part 4

Burning Man

Burning Man is an annual event focused on community, art, and self-expression.

It's held in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, a featureless playa (dry lake bed).  This guy seems to be embodying the self-expression principle.

Overnight, a tent city springs up consisting of hundreds of "camps".  The majority of participants are not nude, but the encouragement of self-expression means that the entire event is clothing-optional.

I have the feeling this camp may have a lot of members showing their members.

But everywhere in Burning Man, it's not unusual to see people wandering around casually naked, like these guys.

The principle of self-expression also includes any and all costumes.  This minimal costume is rather clever, because chipmunks are fond of nuts.

Art is everywhere at Burning Man.  Here, two guys are going one better on the art in the background by recreating Leonardo Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man.

Another principle of the event is unconditional giving, like this facility offering free showers, a luxury in the desert.  Yes, it's outdoors where everyone can see.  Who cares?

However, I think this example of unconditional giving, a free public Fleshlight, was put up as a joke.

Various forms of entertainment are available.  Instead of a mechanized bull or bucking bronco ride, someone made a duck ride.

And, of course, you can always provide your own entertainment.

Each year, the event concludes with the spectacular burning of a giant wooden man (hence the name Burning Man) and other temporary artworks.  Another principle of the event is Leave No Trace.  The camps pack up and the crowds depart, and the desert is again featureless until next year.