Burning Man, Black Rock City, NV
Guide to 2007 Tickets, Event History, Rules & Travel Planning
From nude golf and pole dancing lessons to art installations, theme camps and fireworks, Nevada's festival of free spirits in August and September requires an open mind.
Burning Man Festival, Black Rock City, Nevada: Festival Guide
Burning Man is a bizarre arts festival that takes place in Black Rock City, Nevada for the eight days before the first Monday in September. Burning Man isn’t anything in particular – more a gathering in the desert in which artistic exhibitions, theme camps, dramatic performances and dance parties are set up for a period of eight days. There are no real limits on what can take place, so you’re just as likely to see nude golf or pole-dancing lessons as giant space-like art installations and people flying around on hi-tech magic carpets. An open mind and tolerance of extreme temperatures are pretty much essential.
Burning Man Festival, Black Rock City, Nevada: Event History
Burning Man began with a broken heart, specifically that of San Francisco artist Larry Harvey. Amongst a small group of friends, he burned a small wooden stick figure, to symbolise the end of his relationship. This was in 1986, and the group decided to re-create the act on an annual basis. Things snowballed to the point where Californian authorities were none-too-happy about having what was now becoming an event in their back yard. Undeterred, Harvey and his entourage moved things just over the border to Black Rock County, Nevada. These days the man in question is 50 foot tall and stuffed with fireworks. This makes for a great spectacle when it goes up in flames, but that’s not really what the festival is about – it’s really about giving free spirits, creatives and drifters the opportunity to let everything hang out.
Burning Man Festival, Black Rock City: Festival Rules
There may be a distinct “anything goes” vibe, but there are some criteria that are strictly adhered to. During the festival, Black Rock City becomes the fourth biggest population centre in Nevada, but the rest of the time it is a vast salt pan in the middle of nowhere, 120 miles north-east of Reno. This means that the festival organisers insist that all provisions must be brought from outside – including shelter, food and water. They must also be taken away again afterwards. During the festival, a barter economy exists, while all theme camps must be self-supported in terms of protecting themselves from conditions and power supply.
Burning Man Festival, Black Rock City Nevada: Travel Planning
While it is aimed at the weird, wonderful and laid-back, going to Burning Man requires careful preparation. Getting all provisions beforehand is essential – and this includes things such as sun block, first aid kits and enough food and water for the entire stay, as well as suitable accommodation, be it tent or campervan. The nearest airport is in Reno, for those coming from afar.
Burning Man Festival, Black Rock City Nevada: 2007 Tickets
The closer you get to the festival, the more expensive tickets get. They can be bought either online or at stores in San Francisco. The 2007 event will run from August 27th to September 3rd, and the theme is ‘The Green Man’.
