If it weren't for the lack of proper bathroom / shower facilities, the 100 degree heat and the fact that I don't like crowds, I would LOVE to go to Burning Man - the one-week communal art experiment held every year in the Black Rock desert in Nevada.The experience started in San Francisco in 1986 where the first wooden structure was burned on Baker Beach with a crowd of 20 people in attendance. The crowds grew over the next several years until the event was moved to Black Rock in 1990. Numbers on Burning Man 2008 aren't out yet but 2007 was attended by over 47,000 people.
Imagine a temporary city (tents, campers and RVs), encircling the 'Playa' - a wide open space covered with temple structures and alternative art installations. Participants travel on bicycles (motor driven vehicles are not allowed, unless they are registered 'art cars') to the various camps and villages, meeting new people and enjoying the art. On the last night of the event, the wooden man is burned. Think hippies from 1960's San Francisco, but more organized.
If, like me, you will probably never actually attend Burning Man, check out the official Burning Man site for photos and an archive of past events. This documentary was filmed at the 2008 - the opening shot is of the 'city' from the air.
Welcome Home!
http://www.burningman.com/
Photo by Toby Keller
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