World in Flames: Black Rock City’s Burning Man Festival
How to Get There
If you choose to attend Burning Man, be prepared for a week of radical art and self-sufficiency. The principle of Leave No Trace is not taken lightly, and attendees should be prepared to eat, sleep, and bathe without leaving a trace in the desert. Even waste water is disposed of in an environmentally friendly way — there are volunteers that collect waste water, but often people will evaporate it by putting it on a tarp in the sun.
Volunteering at Burning Man is an unforgettable experience, as Black Rock City operates entirely on volunteers and people come from all over the world to contribute to the experience in their own way. If you’re too far away to get to Nevada, Burning Man also supports the existence of other similar festivals like Kiwiburn (New Zealand), and AfrikaBurn (South Africa).
Survival Tips
Some things that veteran Burners insist are absolutely mandatory are plenty of water (duh), as well as plastic bags to keep your feet dry in case it rains. Carrying a water bottle with you at all times can help make sure you stay hydrated during the scorching hot days. Another handy thing to have is a bandana, so you can wrap it around your face to keep out the dust, which is no joke — sandstorms can whip up any time of day or night.
It’s also important to carry a light with you at night — although Burning Man is generally a safe environment, there have been some road accidents over the years. Lighting up your car, bike, and body will help ensure your safety at night. Happy Burning!
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