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These regional organisations provide grants for art, although the creations are not as monumental or abundant as at the Big Burn. People wear fantastic costumes, but more for fun, not for Instagram photos.
For shelter, people camp in tents, stay in yurts or bring RVs. “It’s an interactive, gift-giving park for adults,” Levy says of these regional parks. “If you want to meet interesting people and have interactive experiences and dance, it’s perfect because it’s not challenging.”
The Pacific Northwest is burning
Latimer, who lives in the Seattle area, favors SOAKwhich was held over Memorial Day weekend outside Portland in the Tygh Valley for about 2,500 people, and Critical Northwest Outside Seattle in July For about 1,300 people. The weather in both places is usually splendid.
Last year, Latimer brought his father, a “typical retired boomer,” to SOAK to help build the effigy structure for the burning. “He was stunned to see that so many people of all ages and all walks of life are drawn to the burnings, which goes against the typical young, rich, attractive stereotype that prevails on social media.”
At both locations, it’s easy to walk around and see all the art and meet up with local burners who are active in Seattle and Portland. “You can easily plan activities and events with multiple camps in advance, which makes it even more fun,” Latimer says.
On Critical NW’s site, it says, “You can literally frolic through the woods with your fellow weirdos and not have to deal with cleaning up copious amounts of beach dust once you’re home.”
Element 11
Although it is a small event (about 2,000 attendees), it has an excellent reputation among burnout fans. “The atmosphere deserves a standing ovation,” says Candice Snow.
Element 11 takes place on Stargazer Ranch, a private piece of land that was purchased for this purpose by a group of burners, so there are structures up year-round, rather than everything being dismantled and burned at the end. “The landscape at Stargazer closely resembles the conditions at Black Rock City,” Snow says. In fact, there is only one effigy burning, due to the arid, brush-filled conditions.
Attendees also report that some current and former Mormons come to the festival. “I noticed that a lot of them are ex-Mormons,” Rowdy says. “They tend to let go of their inhibitions.”
“Watching her transformation over the course of a week is magical,” Snow agrees.
There is less preparation to do for the five days of Element 11, although you do need to bring shelter, food and plenty of hydration. While a bike can enhance your experience, it is not necessary to get around.
Southern Fire
“I would definitely recommend Fuego Austral to someone who is tired of Burning Man,” says Daniel Hugo Miceli, who lives between Buenos Aires and Berlin. “FA is the best of Latin America mixed with a bit of Burning Man – the people are super warm, friendly and there is a lot of mate, asados (grilled meats) and an overall welcoming atmosphere that starts to feel like a family.”