History repeats itself and this year’s Burning Man is set to do just that with the rediscovering of the innovations that made Italian Renaissance the turning point of medieval Europe’s transition to modernity.
Illustration by Andrew Johnstone
Burning Man 2016 pays tribute to the cultural hero of artistry and one of the impetus behind technical modernization, Leonardo Da Vinci. The theme is Da Vinci’s Workshop and the Man itself will take the form of the Vitruvian Man, set at the center of a piazza inspired by Renaissance Florence, which was Da Vinci’s hometown.
A rendering of the Burning Man 2016 piazza by Jack Haye.
With that said, some may ask what does Burning Man really stand for and what happens there? For those unfamiliar with it, it is an annual gathering dedicated to art, radical self-expression, and self-reliance. It is a society where a strong sense of community is valued and where insular thinking and solitude are unwelcome visitors. How you express yourself is limited to your artistic imagination and civic responsibility, which is outlined as one of Burning Man culture’s 10 principles.
A night of magic and enchantment during the Burning Man 2014.
For one week, you have the opportunity to portray yourself in whatever you want to be without fear of judgment. For seven days, you’ll get the chance to be one with an ephemeral society that rises each year in the middle of a desert and disappears without a trace.
Take part in this year’s Burning Man gathering but don’t get caught unprepared. Remember that part of the deal is to be self-reliant, which means you’ll be responsible for your own survival in basically the middle of nowhere.
If you’re still unsure about what to get and what to bring, take the time to read the First Timer’s Guide and check our suggestions on what you need to get the most of your playa living experience.
The Essentials
Sheer Touch Broad Spectrum Sunscreen by Hawaiian Tropic
International shipping weight – 1 kg
You may come in peace but the Black Rock Desert sun knows no mercy. Don’t risk the chance of getting sunburnt by making sure that your skin gets plenty of protection from the harsh rays.
Half Dome 2 Plus Tent by Rei
International shipping weight -5.5 kg
Secure your lodging for the week by bringing your own accommodation. This tent from Rei can accommodate two people just in case a friend tags along or you’re kind (and brave) enough to let a complete stranger camp with you.
D7 Folding Bike by Dahon Mariner
International shipping weight -34 kg
You can roam the playa on foot but why not do it on wheels? Bring your own portable means of transportation to make your exploration more enjoyable and less exhausting.
The Outfits
While dress code during the gathering is pretty much non-existent — guys in tutus, girls in steampunk outfits, etc. — it doesn’t hurt to be practical and, at the same time, stylish.
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For women
Summon your inner hippie chic with a Bohemian one piece matched with a pair of classic ’60s buffalo sandals. The simple yet classy look makes it very much wearble either during the day or at night.
Brick Crochet Back Bohemian Romper from Love Culture
International shipping weight – 1.5 kg
Water Buffalo Sandals from Hippie Shop
International shipping weight – 3 kg
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For men
Comfort is still the top priority when it comes to choosing what you wear. A sleeveless shirt and loose pants are perfect for the desert weather. Add a colorful bandana for a festive twist and you’re all set for the Burning Man fest.
Flower of Life Sleeveless T-Shirt from Festival Fire Fashion
International shipping weight – 0.5 kg
Buddha Pants from Festival Fire Fashion
International shipping weight -1.5 kg
The Big Bang Seamless Mask Bandana from iHeartRaves
International shipping weight – 0.5 kg
The Fun Stuff
Night time at the Burning Man festival is a fun, funky, and colorful celebration. This is also the time when your body becomes the best canvas for artistic self-expression.
Whether you present yourself in the most colorful way possible with a glow-in-the-dark face and body paint, get inked with temporary tattoos, or transform into a Native American chieftain or a steampunk era representative — you can be anything you want as long as it’s safe for you and others around you.
Blacklight Face and Body Paint (Neon) by UV Glow
International shipping weight -0.5 kg
Indian Black Natural Color Feather Headdress Warbonnet by The Wolrd of Feathers
International shipping weight –4 kg
Steampunk Goggles by On the Wings of Steam
International shipping weight -1.5 kg
Metallic Temporary Tattoos from New Home Inventions
International shipping weight -0.5 kg
The Gifting
Gifting is an integral part of the Burning Man culture but this does not necessarily mean you have to bring gifts for all. In fact, you don’t have to purchase an actual gift; it can be whatever you have or make during the Burning Man fest.
The principle of gifting is to make something you own to become an available resource to others. Although gifts can be anything, food is still one of the best things you can share.
Stove System by Windburner
International shipping weight – 5 kg
Prepare the food you want to give or share whatever snack you brought with you. No need to worry about the price because your gift will not be measured by its monetary worth, but by your willingness to give or share it with other people.
Tropical Dried Fruit Mix (10 lbs) by Gerbs
International shipping weight -1 kg
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This year’s Burning Man gathering commenced on August 28 and will last until September 5.
