From August 25 to September 1, approximately 60,000 people from all over the world will come together in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert (also known as “the playa”) for the Burning Man experience, a festival like no other. The Ten Principles run the show as participants are free to enjoy a week of artwork, community and interaction with one another—all while honing their ability to be self-reliant (meaning, not selling or buying anything but instead trading services and commodities). And leaving no trace of what was at the end of the week as they leave the desert.
Now, you might be asking yourself why anyone would want to haul your own stuff to the Nevada desert to spend a week covered in dust, without showers or regular bathrooms, with a bunch of strangers? In the words of founder Larry Harvey, “When you come to an event, we say, ‘Welcome home.’ You’ve finally found that group of people who accepts you for who you are.” As it turns out, there are also precisely 15 more reasons why you should (at least) consider going to Burning Man.
1. Gift Economy
Giving people gifts without expecting something in return is a core principle of Burning Man. It feels good for both the giver and the receiver. Plus, you can end up with a tub of glitter or a an energy bar (or both) at any moment.
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