Radical Self-Expression

'The playa gives you what you need, not necessarily what you want'

The first Burning🔥Man took place 40 years ago in 1986.  It occurred on a San Francisco Beach were 'event' founder Larry Harvey burned an 8-foot wooden man.  As it grew, another location was required, and in 1990 it moved the remote Nevada desert.  Each year, about 75,000 people gather each summer to build the city and form the community.

Burning🔥Man usually spans eight days ending on the Labor Day weekend.  Although the festival has no corporate backing, sponsorship or venders, participants rely on sharing and gifts.  There are also, not usually scheduled headliners, but many live acts, alternative bands and electronic artists & DJs make 'surprise' appearances. 

Although not a festival, the community is based on a set of principles guided by values including radical self-expression, gifting, inclusion, responsibility and leaving not trace.  Attendees are expected to respect the environment, clean up when they leave, and leave all the physical location with not trace that they were there.  Just like at the first gathering in 1986, the event culminates with the ceremonial burning of a large wooden 'Man'. 

Although the event is not officially a 'nude' event, as a form of radical self-expression and body positivity, nudity tends to be common at most Burning🔥Man events. It is certainly not mandatory, but is welcomed.  You'll oven see fully naked bodies with clothed, and partially clothed bodies as well.  It is common to see naked people of all ages, genders and races together, hanging out, partying, dancing or biking through the desert.  

Sexual activity, at least in the open, is 'officially' discouraged.  This is due  to both the laws and community standards.  Maybe most of all it's discouraged because despite the 'feel of freedom', most attendees, (as you can tell from these shots) bring their cell phones along.  Although sexual activity may not be common in open spaces, there certainly seem to be plenty of men casually standing around with free and fierce erections. 

Desert Duel