How to Virtually Attend and Participate in Burning Man
Each year, tens of thousands of people descend into the Black Rock Desert in Nevada a week before Labor Day to take part in Burning Man. Since 1986, Burner’s like-minded people have come together in the name of decommodification, radical inclusion, radical self-expression, and their other 10 Principles (though they weren’t actually written down until 2004).
But don’t call it a festival. On their website (in bold): “Burning Man is not a festival . Burning Man is a community . Temporary city. A global cultural movement based on 10 practical principles ”. Unfortunately, this temporary city will not be built this year – at least not physically. Correct: Burning Man becomes virtual. Here’s what you need to know about attending and participating in Burning Man 2020.
How to visit Burning Man virtually
Burns week is currently ending, which began on Monday, August 31st and ends on Sunday, September 6th. But don’t worry, a lot more will happen over the next two days, including the (virtual) burning of the temple at 8:00 pm PST on Sunday. The first step is to visit Burning Man’s new platform, Kindling . There you will find links not only to Temple Burn, but also to the 24/7 online multi-Burn conference, which features excerpts from home burns from people around the world (more on that in a minute).
Kindling also allows users to register with one of the eight universes in their Multiverse, similar to themed camps for personal events. If you’re unsure who to join, here’s a video that might help:
According to the Reno Gazette Journal , most of these universes will have their own Man Burn.
How to virtually participate in Burning Man
If watching other people perform burns doesn’t solve the problem, Kindling has also posted a set of instructions and blueprints so you can build your own burner. There are also a number of disclaimers on the page, including: “In keeping with the radical principle of self-sufficiency, you build and burn at your own risk. You are responsible for the safety of the burn and the Burning Man Project is not responsible for any loss or damage that may arise. “
And, of course, there is a note on fire safety, in particular on the inadmissibility of starting a fire in an area prone or currently prone to forest fires. If you do decide to build your own incinerator, please do so responsibly.