The question is always the same: ‘What exactly is Burning Man like?’
The answer is always the same: ‘It’s really hard to explain, but it’s just really cool!’
I asked this question and got this answer when contemplating buying tickets with my old college roommate. She had been several times before I promised me I would love it.
To give some background, Burning Man is an art festival that takes place every August in the middle of the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. Black Rock City, the Burning Man “venue,” is erected by festival goers in the days leading up to the festival. Burning Man requires that every attendee be “radically self-reliant,” meaning each person is responsible for bringing his/her own food, water, shelter, and packing it all back out when it’s time to leave. It is very important to leave no trace.

The other component is “radical self expression,” meaning that everyone wears whatever they want (or nothing at all) resulting in some pretty impressive costumes and creativity. Moreover, the crowd is amazing. There is no exchanging of money in Black Rock City, so everything is gifted, creating a harmonious community.
I wasn’t really sure to expect, but I’m glad to say that my roommate was right – I loved it. More than that,
It changed my perspective.
I had been a little cynical about people in general before heading to the festival. My love/hate relationship with the extremely materialistic Newport Beach community I lived in had made me a bit jaded. I needed my faith in humanity restored.
Restored it was.
The best way I can explain this festival is to give you a run-down of my favorite night there:
I had just thrown on my costume and headed out for the evening. Immediately, I hopped on an art car (BRC is full of them! Creative, amazing art cars built and brought in by attendees) that took me all the way around the playa while playing amazing music.
It dropped me at a huge stage complete with pyrotechnics and giant LED screens and lasers. Just as we arrived, Crystal Method took over the DJ booth and played one of the best sets I’ve ever witnessed.
Just outside the dance area, a trio of fire breathers was putting on a spectacular show to the music.
Then, lightening flashed across the sky and the unthinkable happened – it started to rain! Only briefly, though, thankfully.
After the rain subsided, we headed back out to dance to some beautifully slow music, watching the others in the tent dance in a harmonious way I had never seen previously. I was so moved.
I spent the rest of the night exploring art exhibits – ones that could be touched and interacted with (I have never been to a festival where we could touch the art). The night culminated with a beautiful sunrise. At some point, I turned to the buddy I was with and said “I finally get it.”
The “it” was the beauty of the people and the art. Each person who attends the festival brings something to give away. Hugs and compliments are given freely and time ceases to matter. I didn’t even care that I was always covered with dust and lived a generally dirty existence that week. The anxiety of being off of a set schedule subsided and a cool calm came over me.
It’s still with me, and it feels so good.
On Saturday, the man burned, amidst an excited crowd, boisterous art cars, and fireworks
The Wall Street exhibit followed, along with all of the symbolism that goes along with it.
On Sunday, the temple burned. The temple was one of my favorite parts of the festival. Each year it is different. This year, it was an intricately-carved Buddhist-inspired temple. Along the walls people scrawl messages to people or things they need to let go of – people who have passed away, past relationships, and even departed pets.
As the temple burns, everyone falls silent. There are a few shouts of “I love you (insert name here),” but otherwise, everyone pays their silent respects. I’ll admit it, I cried as I watched the flames consume the messages I had written. The calm that followed was welcome.
With that, the festival ends.
I bode the amazing people I had met there goodbye, made my way back to the RV, and we headed out. I still carry the amazing feelings with me. I hope they stick with me until next year.
You better believe I’ll be returning. I hope to see you there.
Dylan Lowe says
For a festival with an anthropo-immolative name, it sure does look joyous. I do hope to make it there one year – even if only to find poignancy in the flames. Failing that, I might just put a fur cape on and wish for the best.
Ava Apollo says
A fur cape is a good start. You don’t even have to wear anything underneath.
Dylan Lowe says
Shame someone can pull it off much more effortlessly than I ever could 😉
eriksmithdotcom says
I’ve read so much about this lately. Sure sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Ava Apollo says
Or for me, several. I’m going back next year for sure!
Audrey Bergner says
I love seeing photos of the temples they erect. These seem to be getting better and more intricate each year! I’d love to attend some day. Looks like a blast! 😀
Ava Apollo says
You should go for sure! I can’t wait to see what they come up with for next year.
Carrie Kellenberger says
Great photos and update, Ava. Looks like you guys had a blast!
Ava Apollo says
I did! Thanks Carrie!
Travel Junkette says
Ahh, I’ve wanted to go to Burning Man for years now. It never seems to work out. Loved your stories and photos — hopefully I’ll be seeing you there one of these years soon!
Ava Apollo says
Seriously do it. See you there next year!
Ayngelina says
I would love to go and every year I put it off thinking maybe it`s not that great, but no one who has been there has ever regretted it. I need to go.
Ava Apollo says
I thought similarly. I figured there was no way it cold beat Coachella or Electric Daisy Carnival. I couldn’t believe how much better it was. Go! I’m not even considering Coachella again because BM was so much better in comparison
Rob says
I need to go there and you need to post more pictures from such said festivities. I’d heard good things and you seem to confirm and expand on all of them.
Ava Apollo says
They’re all over my Facebook and instagram!
The World of Deej says
MJ has long said that she wanted to go to Burning Man, although I’m unsure if I could handle it. This post gives me a little hope though:)
Ava Apollo says
I thought I might be a little overwhelmed too, but it ended up totally awesome. There’s truly something for everyone there.
Bret @ Green Global Travel says
Beautiful description of the event, Ava. I’ve never been to Burning Man, but as a music journalist in the ’90s (when I was in my 20s) I used to go to festivals like Lollapalooza, HORDE, Further and Smoking Grooves constantly, and loved the combination of music, art and kinship with like-minded brethren. Dunno that I’ll ever make it out to the desert, but your story made me wish I could!
Ava Apollo says
Coolest part is this is one of the only festivals where I really felt someone of any age at all could go and find their place. You should go!
Laurence says
Sounds incredible – it’s long been on my to do list! I attended a similar, but much smaller scale festival in the Australian outback, and found that to be refreshment for the soul too. 🙂
Kristin Addis says
I heard about that one! I want to go to that as well.
Gemma Crabb says
Beautiful Ava I’m coming with you next time xxx
Kristin Addis says
Mark your calendar – August!
Koren @ City Gal says
Been dying to go to Burning Man, and no one will take the plunge with me!
Kristin Addis says
BM is one of those places you don’t need to attend with friends! Everyone is so friendly, you can go alone and never really be alone. Go! I’ll see you there!
Pablo says
I watched a documentary on it a while back and fell in love with the idea and how it all began. It looks amazing and I would imagine it’s cleansing in a way. Hopefully here in the next couple of years I’ll be able to make it!
Kristin says
It’s super cleansing. Hope you make it!
Laurel says
Hi!
I actually was just recommended to start reading your blog. I’m about one month into my travels (for as long as I can until money runs out) as a solo female, so just reading through the titles of your posts seems like I’ve found something awesome. Burning Man 2014 was my first year and one of my last US trips before travels. I really look forward to seeing what else you have to say.
Cheers!!
Kristin says
It was one of my last trips before my travels as well in 2012, and I’ve gone back each year since. Such an amazing way to recharge. I’m happy to have your readership, Laurel! 🙂
Laurel says
Have you had any issues getting the tickets while you are overseas? I know that it took a pretty random and awesome situation for me to get mine last year. I am a little nervous that by traveling I’m not able to get into the burner community in my city at all.
Laurel
Kristin says
A friend of mine skyped with me at 6am in China the night they went on sale last year. I gave him all of my credit card information and he did it for me. Obviously someone I trust and burn with often but I’d like for it to be a little easier this year! So far, so good. Knock on wood.