Burning Man might look like absolute chaos to an outsider, but it’s actually an expertly organized, large-scale event. The nine-day event wouldn’t be possible without the coordination and cooperation of Burning Man’s volunteer teams. From the box office crew to emergency services, these groups of volunteers monitor Black Rock City to make sure everything goes off without a hitch.
Plenty of these Burning Man volunteers are event veterans and can be found riding around Black Rock City on bikes and other unorthodox modes of transportation, such as a giant duck car. You can even volunteer to help out the day of if the urge suddenly strikes. Overall, Burning Man is full of friendly people who just want to have a good time and ensure everything runs smoothly and safely.
Reborn on the Playa
A big part of Burning Man culture is the importance of Playa names. “Playa” is the term Burners use to reference the dried lakebed that Burning Man takes place on. When you step foot onto the Playa, you have the freedom to become someone else and play with a different identity. As this metal sculpture depicts, a Playa name is a way to be reborn as someone new.
Some people create their own Playa names, while others wait for other Burners to bequeath one on them. Playa names are fun and wild, such as “Sexy Bacon” or “Hooty.” Once you have your Playa name, it’s up to you how strict you want to be about using it. Some Burners use their Playa name for fun and reveal their legal names. Others only use their Playa names, leaving their true identities a mystery.
Love is in the Air
With Burning Man’s sense of community and free love, it’s no wonder some couples meet, fall in love, and even decide to get married during the annual event. Yup, that’s right. Couples can tie the knot at Burning Man. Despite what many think, however, a Burning Man wedding isn’t 100% impromptu. If you want to get married out on the Playa, you have to plan at least a few weeks in advance.
Before showing up in your Sunday best, you need to ask around and find a wedding officiant who is also attending Burning Man. That way, you’re guaranteed to have someone there who can officially marry you. Plus, you and your partner still need to get all the official paperwork done beforehand. There’s no way to barter your way out of the marriage license fee, unfortunately.
Getting Around Black Rock City
A bicycle is absolutely essential for Burning Man. Black Rock City, where Burning Man is held, is about nine square miles and full of crowded avenues and wild backstreets. Walking miles in the hot Nevada sun is absolutely out of the question. So, a bicycle is the best way to get around.
You’re bound to find a sea of bicycles anywhere you look in Black Rock City. We’re not talking about any old bikes, either. Attendees bring their most durable, rugged bikes to Burning Man in order to fit the anti-capitalist, artsy vibe. In fact, the Burning Man organizers encourage attendees to decorate their bikes, express themselves, and stand out.
El Pulpo Mecanico
Out of all the Burning Man art installations, “El Pulpo Mecanico” is one of the most famous and recognizable. This 25-foot scrap metal sculpture is of a mechanical octopus with many moving parts. Oh, and it also breathes fire. “El Pulpo Mecanico” is famous for lighting up the desert sky with its spectacular fire-breathing capabilities, often accompanied by EDM music for revelers to enjoy.
The mechanical octopus made its Burning Man debut in 2011. The kinetic sculpture was created by artist Duane Flatmo and engineer Jerry Kunkel. The two collaborated to create this terrifyingly adorable sculpture from recycled metal sourced from scrapyards near the artists’ homes. “El Pulpo” has also appeared at festivals like Electric Daisy Carnival.