The Burning Man festival in Black Rock City, Nevada has always been known as a grotesque yet grand good time. From taking hallucinogenics to watching towering wood structures burn to the ground. Burning Man is not for the weak. Between the unforgiving desert and the over-indulgence, the festival has had countless party-related tragedies. Whether that be drug overdoses or STDs. Despite this, the festival is currently in its 38th year.
Of course, people have argued against the festival given the harms. On the contrary, people have supported it. After all, what’s wrong with a little danger from time to time? That so, it’s the danger and taboo that keeps thousands of people going back every single year. Since its beginning in 1986, the festival has seen some insane happenings that make for great stories. So, in hopes of celebrating the hallmark of hedonism, here are some of the three craziest stories from the festival.
1. An Unusual Trade
Journalist Christopher Hooton of the Independent wrote an article of collective interviews with frequent Burning Man goers. The stories are OFF THE WALL. Including this one—”I once traded 25 glow sticks for a ride on a small airplane that was nearly out of gas.”
Yeah, so that happened and luckily the person lived to tell the tale. Surely, yet surprisingly there are tales wilder than this regarding unorthodox transactions. But after this story, it’s hard to believe that something can be as unusual and nerve-wracking as this. Though, leave it to the Burning Man Festival.
2. Welcoming New Comers
One of the oddest right of passages for new Burning Man attendees is the welcome waiting for one at the entrance. After waiting for “anywhere from 10 minutes to 10 hours depending on weather and traffic — burn “virgins” are hugged by a nude welcoming committee,” per Business Insider India. A memorable welcome to say the least.
After the newcomers are hugged by these nudists, they then have to profusely roll around in the hot desert sand. Once lathered in sweat and sand, now one is finally ready the enter the freakily fun abyss Burning Man seemingly is.
3. Fire Breathing Fire Truck
Per the same Independent article, there was a story about a firetruck altered to due it opposite purpose—make fire, instead of put them out. A woman told the publication, “My brother has gone a few years, and my favorite story from him is riding around the desert on acid in a firetruck that was modified to shoot flames.” A sight to see, and arguably, a blast of a ride.
Given this oxymoronic firetruck, it seems Burning Man has no rules(at least spoken ones for that matter). That being said, these three tales are seemingly just the tip of the iceberg. Burning Man is a fascinating mixture of both utopia and dystopia bound to leave everyone who hears or experiences it baffled in some way. Which, leaves you all with a question—Would you go to Burning Man?
Photo by David McNew/Newsmakers
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