A late-summer storm transformed the week-long Burning Man festival in the northern Nevada desert into a muddy scene, stranding nearly 80,000 attendees.
The site was burdened with foot-deep mud and non-functioning toilets, making conditions challenging for participants.
Despite the circumstances, the spirit of the festival remained strong. Scott London, a photographer from Southern California, commented, “We are dirty and muddy but spirits are high. The party is still going.”
Burning Man, held annually in the Black Rock Desert about 110 miles north of Reno, is known for its combination of wilderness camping and avant-garde art. The festival has faced disruptions in the past due to natural conditions and was canceled twice during the pandemic.
This year, the festival was hit with over a half-inch of rain on Friday, September 1, according to the National Weather Service in Reno. More rain followed over the weekend. In light of the weather and a reported death, the festival halted the entry of vehicles. The burning of the iconic large wooden effigy, a festival highlight, was postponed.
Attendees were left navigating the muddy conditions on foot. Many either went barefoot or wore plastic bags on their feet to counter the mud. Essential supplies became scarce, but the community came together.
A few attendees, including celebrity DJ Diplo and comedian Chris Rock, managed to leave the site by walking to the nearest town.
The conditions posed serious challenges. Rebecca Barger, a photographer attending her first Burning Man, said the lack of toilet maintenance since Friday was a major concern.
Participants such as Ed Fletcher continued to celebrate despite the unfavorable conditions. Fletcher highlighted the festival’s principle of “radical self-reliance,” emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the desert.
Details about the reported death remain limited. The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office is investigating.
Organizers urged attendees to remain calm, reassuring them that the festival could withstand such conditions. To assist attendees, they arranged for cellphone trailers and shuttle buses to the nearest town, Gerlach.
However, the onset of the event was further complicated by a group of climate change protesters who parked a 28-foot trailer, resulting in traffic gridlock.
