Into the Great Unknown, and Beyond

“Burning Man now wants to see how it can shape the world it is part of instead of just reacting to that world.”                                                                                                                                                                       –  J. Duane Hoover

The past 14 months have been a turbulent journey of evolution and change for every human on this planet. We have had to adapt to the twists and turns of a global crisis, complex public health information, and the growing hope that we can start rebuilding our lives together soon.

All of us at Burning Man Project have been busy projecting all the possible scenarios that would allow us to bring our desert city back to life in 2021. The variables are many, and our capacity to overcome challenges is high. It’s what we do.

But, although here in the United States we may be feeling the weight lifting and the light at the end of the tunnel brightening, we are still in the pandemic, and the uncertainties that need to be resolved are impossible to resolve in the time we have.

We have decided to set our sights on Black Rock City 2022.

This is not a decision that weighs on just one specific issue; rather, it’s a combination of problems that in an ever-changing world resist certainty to move forward.

Humanity is experiencing collective trauma that is unprecedented in recent times, and while for some returning to Black Rock City may feel like “the answer,” there is very real rebuilding and healing that needs to be done before returning full force to the desert. The physical, psychic, and emotional impacts of this pandemic are real and the recovery from this experience will happen at different rates of speed. This is the time to gather with our friends, crews, families and communities.

We have the time now to imagine what we can bring to Black Rock City 2022 that will really make a difference. What would it look like if Burning Man culture shaped the future?

How do you want to bring the best of what you have to give to the next gathering in the desert?

How bold can you go?

Ukraine Regional Burn 2020: Magic Forest (Photo by Max Ambio)
Ukraine Regional Burn 2020 (Photo by Max Ambio)

Burning Man is Wherever (and Whomever) YOU Are

Many of us yearn to return to that dusty place to rekindle our imaginations, our sense of place, our sense of self, and above all, our sense of belonging. But we’ll let you in on a secret: Burning Man is not canceled. Burning Man is happening right NOW, all around you. “Going to Burning Man” simply means tapping into the 10 Principles and creating experiences and opportunities and connection at the local level.

Not sure where to start? We’re preparing a handy (if irreverent) Cultural Survival Guide to help you bring your Burner gatherings to any place on the planet this summer. We’ll share that and a few fun items to take with you in a few weeks.

In the meantime, you can connect with Burning Man culture by:

  • Gathering with your friends, crew or community.
  • Connecting with your Regional community, participating in a virtual or in-person Regional event, finding your local Burners Without Borders chapter, helping out your neighbors.
  • Supporting the fully funded 2021 Honoraria artists to build their art wherever they are on the planet— from Moscow to Guadalajara, Manila to Brooklyn. Find out if Burning Man art is being built in your backyard! And then help it show up in your community or out in the world.
  • Planning a Burn Night celebration! “BURN WEEK: Global Live Stream” invites you and your crew to live stream your Burn Night around the globe on Saturday, September 4, 2021. Start organizing now!
  • Participate in Virtual Burning Man August 21 to September 5, 2021. Share your event, performance, workshop, theme camp, mutant vehicle… or jump in and contribute your mad skills. Here’s how to get involved in Virtual Burning Man!
  • Log into your Burner Profile to tell us about the impact-driven projects and initiatives you’re creating out there in the world. Your information will help us map the future!
  • Roll up your sleeves and join us in Burning Man Hive Labs. Connect with others and discuss Burning Man’s evolving culture around sustainability; Radical Inclusion, diversity, and equity; health and safety; and participation.
  • Jump over here to see all the ways you can participate NOW.
Highway 447 (Photo by John Curley)
Highway 447 (Photo by John Curley)

Yes, There Still Will Be Visitors in the Black Rock Desert

Some of you will choose to gather, co-create and celebrate Burning Man culture on the playa this year. The Bureau of Land Management says at this time public lands will remain open to the public. Anyone choosing to camp on the playa this year will need to be entirely self-sufficient. For 35 years, since long before the current organization existed, Burners have looked after themselves and each other. If you do head out there, we wrote an invaluable summary piece to highlight “How To Do It Right!” Go there and breathe this stuff into your pores. To preserve our future in the Black Rock Desert, please recreate responsibly, support local businesses, read this important “know before you go” info, and remember to always Leave No Trace! Pull out your old Survival Guide or check out the last one online. The “required” lists of what to take were designed from early years on the playa. If you go this year, you’ll need to be prepared. Consider visiting at other times of the year beyond Burn Week (local communities will benefit from a more dispersed flow of people), and be mindful of how you engage with this awe-inspiring natural ecosystem we all love. Again, if you do plan to go, learn How To Do It Right in this post.

2022 is Our Badass New North Star

We’re only gaining a few months, really. But with that time off, playa projects will gain considerable steam. With this momentum, it’s exciting to imagine what Black Rock City 2022 can become once the world truly moves on from the COVID-19 pandemic. We are ALL gearing up for a glorious return to Black Rock City in 2022, and have already started the application process with the Bureau of Land Management for our permit. With another year of re-evaluating our systems and concerted planning, together we will co-create the most diverse, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable iteration of Black Rock City yet. Join us in designing the future of Burning Man! The Great Unknown is our open playa, an opportunity to imagine new and better things, and yes — to build the FUTURE.

We’ve made it this far as a direct result of the generous 22,000 people who contributed to get us to the next Black Rock City. Your support is the driving force toward ensuring the community can build our magical dusty city next year when it’s safe and feasible to do so. We feel the love and we can’t wait to see you in the dust.

Immediacy in the Great Unknown

The COVID-19 pandemic has separated us from our world, our friends and our family. It has sent us all on a search for our inner selves, our meaning and participation in society. Immediacy, perhaps our most important value, is where we overcome the barriers that stand between us, our inner selves, society and a natural world exceeding human powers. This year, Burners will experience Immediacy like no other year.

Wherever you are this year, in 2021, we Burn together. We will always burn the Man.

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Oh, if you’re STILL here wanting a little MORE info….There is that FAQ we wrote.

Ok, here ya go. Now, let’s prototype a new world!

Koro Loko by Emily Nicolosi, 2019 (Photo by Ales Dust To Ashes)
Koro Loko by Emily Nicolosi, 2019 (Photo by Ales Dust To Ashes)

Cover image and theme graphic design by D.A. of Black Rock and Tanner Boeger

About the author: Burning Man Project

Burning Man Project

The official voice of the Burning Man organization, managed by Burning Man Project's Communications Team.

88 Comments on “Into the Great Unknown, and Beyond

  • Burning Man Project Communications says:

    Reminder: Burning Man Project has a responsibility to maintain this space for the benefit of all participants, to ensure that comments serve to enhance the experience of our visitors, rather than cause harm. While spirited conversation is welcome, unruly and rude behavior is not. Posts that are harmful to others or run counter to the spirit of civil discourse may be removed.

    Please review our COMMENT POLICY here, then comment with care: https://journal.burningman.org/comment-policy/

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    • Snake Oil says:

      Bummer. Was really looking forward to seeing everyone I love and making new friends with vaccinated people like myself. Next year.

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    • Even without a vax being required , next month 140K attendees permitted at Indy 500 , 50K per day at NY State fair, however BM 2021even with vax mandate is cancelled. Two years to plan and still cancelled. There will be no adjustments for BM 2022, same vax mandate, so whats the difference? BORG was a world class organization since 1986, arguably BORG now looks very unorganized and inept by cancelling a fully vaccinated and negative tested Burners in 2021. This dreadful decision saddened 50,000 vaxed Burners. We needed BM 2021 to elevate our spirits, this hurts.

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      • Snaps says:

        While this hurts, let’s not let it stop us from doing what we love. Let’s go out to the desert and burn without the bmorg. We have the know how to be self reliant enough to go out there and build a camp site and bring art with us. Now imagine if everyone just came out and did it too. We got this. We’re gonna burn 2021.

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    • Charles Eric says:

      It will be interesting if for 2022 we’ll be required to show a vaccine passport hope not cause many are opting out living a healthy lifestyle is the answer to illnesses period.

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  • Koosh says:

    The dear friend and former partner who took me to my first Burn in 2003 regularly talked about “easy vs. right” in our years together. Thank you for doing the right thing, even when it’s not easy.

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  • First, I will sit with the grief of losing my “week of joy” for another year. Then, I will figure out how to create a week of joy with the Burning World anyway. Time for commiseration cocktails!

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  • Visionary says:

    WOW! Considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation and the world-wide tragedy affecting millions of people I think you made a responsible decision in postponing Black Rock City until 2022.

    Thank you!

    It looks like there will be plenty of room to camp on the playa this year!

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  • Sweet Alice says:

    As a medical professional and burner, I found myself caught between hope for a burn and the reality that we should absolutely not gather in 2021. It is the best decision for our communities, big and small. I feel such a great sense of relief. As always, our burning man leaders have made the right decision. Thank you! See you in 2022 when we can all party safely, knowing we did the right thing in 2021.

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  • Ulan McKnight says:

    Thank you for making this choice. It sounds like you have weighed all of the options and came to the best decision that you could at this time.

    I agree with the outcome, even if I do not understand how you arrived at it. As a Black Burner, I was concerned that the desire to “return to normal” as quickly as possible would short-circuit considerations of safety and welfare for ALL of our community – especially those of us at the margins.

    Your commitment not to create BRC while communities around the world are suffering allows us to focus on healing our global family and it shines a light on those forces amongst us who value profit and convenience for the powerful over the safety and health of the vulnerable.

    I am proud to be part of this global Burner Community and commit to returning to BRC in 2022!

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  • Ken Lemoine says:

    Thank you for the informative message. The extra time will balance the loss of these past two years to cultivate an epic year, marking the beginning of a new experience.

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  • Pluto says:

    Tough choice, but yes, see you in 22!

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  • Magnum says:

    Looks like another renegade year!

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  • Papa Penguin says:

    “Safety Third” So maybe the 3rd try in 22 will be safe.

    Not the outcome I’m sure most people were looking for, but totally understandable and really is the only right answer.

    **Watches the 2022 ticket line start forming**

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  • A.J. Jennings says:

    Working the event is a much different experience than attending it.

    Keeping event staff and everyone else safe was the right call.

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  • Ken Fichtler says:

    The BORG is sure showing a lot of courage…by censoring the posts that they’re allowing on this to only the positive ones.

    You’re real heroes.

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  • Cabe says:

    Great call. There is plenty of local art and community to engage with between now and Aug 2022. Start making new pals now, so you have more people to run into in the desert then!

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  • Dave Cherry says:

    Yes, seems like a good call. Might just have my own private playa adventure anyway! ;-)

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    • Christena Walker says:

      Was Marian going we can’t have Burning Man 2021 but if you want to visit the Playa…….wink, wink, nod, nod it is public land. Sounds like the BLM under super cautious Uncle Joe refused a permit to Burning Man, well I might just check it out, I was never a fan of the 7 day rave party a smaller party suits me. Guess this REALLY MEANS radical self reliance!

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  • Trilo Byte says:

    Thank you! It may have been a difficult decision, but it is the right decision. My fellow campmates, friends and artists are eager for 2022 and beyond!

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  • Some Seeing Eye says:

    Thanks for a well considered decision.

    We know all the staff and many volunteers worked very hard to bring us to today. They deserve hugs and support to get to 2022. And yes, we need to do the same for our burner community.

    We have some extra time to plan fabulous participation, art, camps, and outfits for 2022, and for regional events between now and then!

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  • Lolly L Connell says:

    responsible AND sustainable. And the humane thing to do- good call.

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  • Jazz says:

    Interesting. 3 months to plan Totally Not Burning Man… I wonder if people will like it even better than the real thing.

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  • Biscuit says:

    Thank you for being and acting responsible.

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  • WHEW! I was so worried that there could be repercussions if it did go poorly. That I am happy and relieved. We are kicking it into high gear for 2022! Our camp Hopes to be able to start working on stuff this summer once everyone is Vaccinated. So we get 6 extra months now to prep.

    on the Good News Side of things. Chad Rittenberry ended up using our Camp’s Water Cube to start distributing water in Austin during the crazy freeze that took out 70% of Austin’s power. A bunch of other burners jumped in to help him. It culminated in his group getting a bunch of National Guards assigned to help! He put them in Pink Vests because the military outfits were intimidating in true burner fashion. Our community was ready because of running so many crazy camps at burningman. Thank you!

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  • RockPaperSissors says:

    I find myself conflicted at your announcement. I think that your decision not to have an organized event will result in a huge, disorganized event where there is no medical infrastructure, no sanitation, etc. I feel like the org holds some responsibility and accountability toward a non-event that will no doubt happen.

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    • Somewhat Concerned says:

      This

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    • Tuna says:

      While BRC are stewards of the playa, it’s ultimately public land. It’s not off limits. People can go and camp any time. One of the principals is radical self reliance. Like BM I’m the 90s and early 2000s, participants had to pack everything in and out including waste.

      A non-event happened in 2020 and those that went practiced safety and lived the principals. If you’re doing it right anyone that goes out there this year will do the right thing and leave no trace. If sparkleponies just want to go rave and rage without having to handle their shit, then they probably shouldn’t be going at all.

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    • Tonyr says:

      Wow, wow – WOW .Really, it is for that opinion – perception that burning man made the right decision. If things may get as bad as you predict,then hopefully the area law enforcement agencies step up their game and address it accordingly. Why O why should burning man staff, volunteers and other health and safety minded folks be subject to what you predict will only be a lawlessness and unsafe super spreader event. People are responsible for thier own actions – whether it’s burning man or an unofficial campout … Burning Man made the right call and all of my 45 + campmates (17+ years vets) agree and we are looking towards 2022 .

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    • gtgrtr says:

      Re-think “radical self reliance”.
      Contemplate.

      If the Org is absent from the Black Rock, and someone out there hurts themselves, how by any line of reasoning can the Org be be held responsible?

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    • mark switzer says:

      The folks I talked too were very organized. They bought their own pump truck and porta potties.
      Also bringing medical staff.
      I’m betting it’s way more organized than people think.

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  • 10Cents says:

    Just wondering why it couldn’t be a vaccination mandatory event?

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    • FP says:

      True – I just don’t get it – granted I have my shots done – was ready to go and really can’t see why it can’t happen. We all take personal responsibility for ourselves- if you are freaked out – don’t go – simple. Uggggg

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      • Sweet Alice says:

        I am a Nurse Practitioner and long term burner who has worked throughout the pandemic, and who continues to work through it because it is not over yet. People are still dying, and our planet has not yet reached herd immunity. We are not burning on playa this year becasue it’s not just about one person who is vaccinated who really wants to attend the burn. It is about coming together as a community and saying we want to be part of the solution, not the problem. If the burn were to proceed in 2021 large numbers of people would be traveling and unwittingly spreading COVID to those who are still vulnerable, all along their path of travel and almost for sure killing some along the way. In a nutshell, delaying our desire to gather in BRC is about helping the planet rid itself of this horrible disease that currently continues to cause death, economic destruction and heartache.

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      • Jay says:

        Maybe I just haven’t seen the right post but I’ve yet to see the actual fact-based elements leading to this decision.
        > 60k fully vaccinated people outdoors, usually wearing face coverings, was still too risky?
        > Too many volunteers in key roles were opting out?
        > Artists pulling out?
        > Neighboring communities didn’t want us driving through?
        > Worried if folks got sick they wouldn’t be well enough to leave?
        > What happened during the last 10 days to cause what seemed like an abrupt change of heart?

        While I’m extremely disappointed with the decision I can’t say it was a bad call. Nonetheless, facts would be nice.

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    • Ziggi says:

      Many people are under the impression that the vaccination offers 100% protection from contracting the virus. In clinical trials, Pfizer offered 95% protection, and Moderna 86%. This means that, on average, about 10% of fully vaccinated individuals are still susceptible. At Burning Man, this translates to the potential infection of 8,000 Burners. So, Civic Responsibility.

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    • Joy Rider says:

      Really a burner asking for vaccines to be mandatory?? This is against seberal of the principles to start. Not cool.

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    • Ditoh says:

      Well, if vaccines are required we would not go. I have been a burner and on the crews for years but as a natural wellness practitioner I would not go for jabbing the burners.

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  • Joshua Martelli says:

    Well done team. It was the right call.
    Don’t let the freakouts and nay sayers grind your spirits. There will always be people who criticize your every move. The high road never disappoints.

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  • Jeremy Crandell says:

    I am grateful that a considered decision has been made that supports the health and well-being of all and doesn’t attempt avoidable exclusion. Respect!

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  • Doublecheck says:

    Now I will have the bandwidth, energy and imagination to create something special for 2022. Stilling extracting myself from 2020 fires, housing, COVID and other burdens.

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  • Him Again says:

    Damn. Hard decision but seems like the right decision. So yes here’s to an absolutely mind blowing (and ecologically sustainable) burn in 2022!!!

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  • Sad Panda says:

    I’d like to better understand the basis for this decision. Everyone that wants to be vaccinated will be before build would start.
    Would it be harder to fund-raise and build big things – yes, but that’s okay. Smaller camps and art pieces are fine.
    There are a lot of businesses and people who make their living supporting events including the Burn. This choice hurts those people and the communities en route to the Black Rock desert.
    A very safe Burn can be held this Labor Day. It will be time to resume normal life by mid-summer. This comes across as a under informed decision.

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    • Teal says:

      “It will be time to resume normal life by mid-summer. This comes across as a under informed decision.”

      No one can predict at this point whether we can resume “normal life” by mid-summer. Awful new variants that are vaccine resistant could emerge and we could have another huge spike in cases, or not. This was a very informed decision based on the information that Bmorg has NOW and the amount of planning this event takes. I applaud them for taking the safety first road even though there are financial hardships created by it. Life is more important than money.

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    • Christena Walker says:

      Comes down to permit! Federal government has not lifted emergency measures and BRC is on FEDERAL lands so they were probably denied. Not sure about camping individually on the Playa.

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  • Jimmy two trucks says:

    If full vaccination/heard immunity does not allow society to return to normal, what does?

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  • peter durand says:

    I don’t like the decision because it spoils my fun, takes away what I was looking forward to. However, I respect and support it because it’s the considered and wise one. Thanks for taking that route.

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  • As a Theme Camp Leader constantly checking my inbox for “GO/NO GO” news to impart to my anxiously waiting camp mates with their Directed Group Sale plans well under way, I was surprised when an early morning call from friend today alerted me to the event’s cancellation–a fact he’d just read all about in the newspaper! (BTW, as of this hour I still haven’t received the courtesy of any official notice from Placement; I guess they just assumed all Theme Camp leaders would somehow just absorb this important information from the Multiverse?) It would have been nice if we had been informed at least at the same time as the press.
    In a short video published in today’s Burning Man Journal, Kristen Wiig doppelganger and beloved Burning Man CEO Marian Goodell somewhat maddeningly explains it in a curious pretzel-knot of verbiage, “Burning Man is not cancelled….” Except that it is.
    The charmingly dotty Goodell’s cheery, if squirmy explanation for the event’s cancellation (immediately after she promises “exciting” news!) may not help us feel much better about this year, but I’ll bet we all saw it coming, am I right?
    All that said, her very difficult decision is probably for the best, since four months is really not long enough to pull together the kind of camp we can all be proud of. (Elvis Wedding Chapel & Gardens of Adventure!) But I’m sure we can do a great job with sixteen months of preparation: Onward to 2022!

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  • Hambone says:

    Call me crazy, but this reset for BM may have some long term positive outcomes. Back to spiritual basics….radical self reliance and radical inclusion….with a new eye towards reducing our collective carbon footprint?!. I do miss the big beating heart that gets created on the desert; let’s build it locally and take that positive energy into 2022. Blessings and Peace to all of you that care so much.

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  • Gem says:

    Our support and worldwide burner love coming at all of the people that work to make BM and it’s Theme Camps what they are. Our lil regional burn, Blazing Swan, took place in Western Australia this year under challenging Covid conditions and restrictions, with reduced numbers at only 1500 participants including, GA, volunteers, site crew, org and TCs. We are beyond grateful.
    We absolutely respect and appreciate the decision taken for BM to resurrect in 2022. We are certain that this extra space and time will allow even greater creative journeys and send our deepest love and dusty hugs to the BM Theme Camp community from our Playa to yours.
    Love and Beer,
    Gem – Kamp Koasis
    Blazing Swan
    Western Australia

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  • Tripton says:

    I still have yet to experience the playa and all the beauty that is Burning Man. I honestly feel that my soul needs to be free on the playa. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I can get a ticket for 2022′ s burn. Stay healthy everybody.

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  • Bad MOFO says:

    “No Mo FOMO” for another year

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  • Draco says:

    Is it Burning Man because the company produces it? Or is it Burning Man because it happens on the playa over Labor Day weekend? People called it Burning Man before the formation of the company, so I’m not sure why the gathering of people on the playa this year should not be called, Burning Man. So Burning Man isn’t cancelled, imo, it’s just free this year, and no one is going to clean up after you.

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  • Billy Goat says:

    When you make the right decision, it don’t matter what anyone else thinks. You did the right thing.

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  • TR says:

    While I am not part of the group that organizes and puts on the event and therefor not aware of all the challenges, I am a medical professional and have attended Burning man multiple times. I strongly disagree with the decision to cancel Burning Man once again. In actuality I think this is he perfect time and the perfect event for these times. Taking place outside with the wind with people that are use to wearing masks for the dust and with the availability of vaccines it can be done safely. The event, its principles , its sense of community and in particular the Temple are what people need and this is the time not a year from now. It may not be perfect as time is short but Burning man is about adapting. I am afraid the organizers are bogged down in the process and have lost sight of the essence.

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    • Gustav says:

      You expressed my thoughts and feelings better than I could!

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      • Robert X. Planet says:

        Very well said! We absolutely COULD have done this under all of these circumstances–constant cleansing wind, universal wearing of dust masks, wide open spaces, required vaccinations, etc. But despite these ideally uncrowded crowd conditions, BMORG ultimately opted for an abundance of caution. If we’d gone ahead, and things had gone sideways, Burning Man could have gone down in super-spreader history–nobody would even remember Sturgis !

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      • Bill says:

        And I agree with Gustav.

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  • Susan says:

    Normal people need things to be safe and to be taken care of, and we love to follow the rules. Thank you Burning Man for taking care of us!! It’s a scary world out there with lots of bad things. Keep Burning Man SAFE!

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  • A difficult but appropriate decision. One thing to bear in mind is that a lot of attendees are from countries other than the US- countries that do not have the vaccine widely available yet, and do not have the freedom to travel. While it is true that the vaccine will be available to most in the US by the end of the summer, holding BM this year with a VAX mandate would discriminate against those from less fortunate countries that do not have the vaccine.

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  • McFly says:

    Excellent decision…I am fully vaccinated and was ready to go. However, reading the comments I realized how many selfish anti-vaxxers were complaining about the proposed requirement of vaccine proof. I lost interest due to the complaining and divisiveness. Hopefully 2022 will be better.

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  • Steve says:

    I’ve never been to Burning Man. 2020 was to be my first. My anticipation and excitement began building 2 years before then.
    I know it may seem trivial with all the tragedy many have been facing but there’s been only 2 times, for me, even with all the isolation and the rash of other cancellations in my life that I have found it emotionally difficult. The first was last year when the Burn was cancelled and now, cancelled again.
    super bummed

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  • Mark G McCormack says:

    So… no event means no income for the organization. What cuts are you going to make to reduce payroll? How many jobs will be lost from the organization, how many artist will now become starving artist? How many outside entities will now not hire people, how many school children will be affected by no ice sales? How much lost airport revenue? How much lost revenue all along the trail that burners take to get to the playa? Multiple vaccines out 98% survivability rate. Many sporting events in closed environments have taken place with 25,000 plus people sitting right next to each other and no surge of cases reported, spring break took place again, no spike in cases. BM is held outdoors with fresh air and 600 feet + of available space between burners….. just saying for a friend.

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  • TheHARDtruth says:

    Of course the BMORG will get by another year….
    But will Gerlach?

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  • Stuff Tree says:

    Next year was better.

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  • Dr Bungee says:

    “Should I stay or should I go now ?
    If I stay there will be trouble
    If I go it will be double”
    I’ve experienced the uncertainty on a personal level, as well as with our camp, and the burner community in general. The past 14 months have been hard for everyone, but the last month has been a ride on the burner roller coaster. First we’re told to get our camps ready for DGS. Then there was Maid Marion’s announcement of possibly creating BRC with vaccinations required. So I guessed we were going, start getting organized. What followed were the bitter comments from all the anti vaxers about their rights and personal freedoms. Their radical inclusion completley Trumps the other principals of communal effort, civic responsibility and participation. All the toxic comments made me rethink my desire to attend. I was back on the fence. Now, there’s no fence to worry about.
    The indecision is now behind us. We can all bring the burn to our home, and look forward to reuniting at BRC next year. The man burns in 493+/- days

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  • Gustav says:

    I think this was the easy choice as it came down to doing nothing, but not the right choice. I think it a coward’s move. The right thing would have been, in my view, to let vaccinated adults live their lives again. We either trust the vaccines to keep us safe or we don’t. And if we don’t, then there will never be another burning man since they will not work any better next year or any year after, and covid is here to stay.

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  • Gustav says:

    This has nothing with public safety to do. If it did, the BM CEO wouldn’t be urging people to gather in local communities. The virus spreads there too you know. And she wouldn’t trade a vaccine- mandated official event for a vaccine- optional unofficial event.

    I think this has more to do with there not being enough time to pull it together. And that is fair enough. I can understand that reason. But not safety. Vaccines are effective. Don’t undermine that message by not trusting them!

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  • Radar says:

    I’ve read so many comments here in the last few weeks that Burners who refuse to take the vaccine ‘wont be missed’ at BM 2021. That’s not a very nice thing to say, but I can see where they’re coming from. It’s a good bet that all of those people will not be venturing out to the playa this year over Labor Day weekend due to the health risks. But I’ll be there. And you won’t be missed.

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  • Jeanette Frankel says:

    The comments… I just can’t anymore. BM has extinguished the last glimmer of hope I had that there could still be a number of real humans in the world. They would be here, if anywhere. But now, the only thing I see are droids, droids and more droids. Mindless robots, repeating the same bizarre nonsense, over and over and over and over. Time for a software update when everyone has a skipping CD. Aaaaarrrrgggghhhh!!!!

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    • James says:

      Just get the vaccine, Jeanette. Don’t be selfish. The is a global pandemic. We’re all in this together. The virus is a danger to our democracy.

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  • Clan Destino says:

    Clan Destino will be on the playa this year. We’re coming in full-force. We’re still pissed off about getting kicked off the esplanade in 2004. Monster Energy Drink didn’t pay us anything. Just crates of free delicious fine beverages that mix well with vodka. So what? Now we’re gonna show you how it’s done!

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  • Miss Amelia says:

    Sad to miss another year, but agree with the decision.

    If you come to Burning Man to party, guess you can go out and find other parties.

    If you come for the sense of community, acceptance and giving, go out into your local area and do the same thing. Give to a charity, surprise someone with a little token on your loving heart, so whatever it is that makes your soul sing.

    While the event of BM is AFUCKINGMAZING, we don’t need to meet in a place to feel that connection this year.

    As for 2022, where does the line form?

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  • How does one submit their art for review by the selection committee?

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