Burning Man attendees undeterred by heavy rain and muddy conditions.
Thousands Brave the Elements at Burning Man Festival
By Anna Tong and Rich McKay
BLACK ROCK CITY, Nevada – Despite torrential downpours that transformed the Nevada desert into a muddy mess, thousands of Burning Man attendees continued to party hard on Sunday. The annual arts and music festival, known for its vibrant atmosphere, was hit with unexpected rain, forcing officials to issue a shelter-in-place order.
While some heeded the order, many festival-goers defied it and attempted to make their way to the nearest highway. Unfortunately, the sticky mud proved to be a formidable obstacle, trapping some in its gooey embrace. However, those who remained in good spirits found solace in the abundance of food and drinks available.
Videos circulating on social media captured the festive chaos, with costumed revelers, including children, gleefully sliding through the muddy terrain. Brian Fraoli, a seasoned “burner” from New York, embraced the extreme conditions, stating, ”When you get pushed to extremes, that’s when the most fun happens.”
Burning Man, which attracts tens of thousands of people each year, is a temporary community where self-expression and creativity thrive. Despite the challenges posed by the rain, the festival’s spirit remained intact.
A Display of Generosity
One camp, Sharkey’s Bar, exemplified the festival’s “gift economy” philosophy by serving free cocktails to drenched attendees. Other camps hosted lively parties, undeterred by the possibility of being stranded.
As the festival’s culmination approaches with the burning of “The Man,” organizers plan to proceed with the event, even in the face of more rain. Festival-goers remain optimistic, sharing food and water while eagerly awaiting the reopening of the gates.
The National Weather Service reported significant rainfall in the area, and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management has advised against vehicle entry to the festival site. President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation, and officials are closely monitoring developments.
Despite the challenges, Burning Man continues to captivate attendees and inspire a sense of community, proving that even in the face of adversity, the spirit of celebration prevails.
(Reporting by Anna Tong in Black Rock City and Rich McKay in Atlanta; additional reporting by Deborah Gembara in Washington and Brad Brooks in Longmont, Colorado; Writing by Brad Brooks; Editing by Rosalba O’Brien and Paul Simao)
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