Another one bites the dust, but desert revelers can still connect in the online “Multiverse” this year.
After 33 years of gathering in the Black Rock Desert, the outlandish wardrobes and elaborate installations that define the Burning Man festival — at least to those on the outside — will be relocating to the Virtual Black Rock City.
Although 4,000 early-bird “FOMO” tickets have already been sold, the main registration that was initially set for April 8, was postponed. On April 11, Burning Man organizers announced that the Black Rock Desert festival aspect would be canceled entirely.
“After much listening, discussion, and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision not to build Black Rock City in 2020,” the Burning Man Project website statement read. “Given the painful reality of COVID-19, one of the greatest global challenges of our lifetimes, we believe this is the right thing to do. Yes, we are heartbroken. We know you are too. In 2020 we need human connection and Immediacy more than ever. But public health and the well-being of our participants, staff, and neighbors in Nevada are our highest priorities.”
In the interest of the health & wellbeing of our community, we have decided not to build Black Rock City this year. Burning Man, however, is alive & well, and we look forward to seeing you in the Multiverse. Read more in the Burning Man Journal. https://t.co/3FHPq1CGVH
— Burning Man Project (@burningman) April 11, 2020
A video statement from the organizer noted that they are “committed to providing refunds to those who need them,” but urges Burners that can afford it, to donate their tickets to the “vision and mission.” Highlighting that the concept extends beyond the week-long event in August, with a community consisting of 100s of collaborators, volunteers and that work all year round to sustain the culture.
However, all “The Multiverse” — the 2020 Burning Man theme — creations may not be completely lost, as the organizers plan to take the event online. While no plans have been finalized thus far, the Burning Man Project CEO Marian Goodell welcomed everyone to the Virtual Black Rock City 2020 in the video. “We’re not sure how it’s going to come out; it will likely be messy and awkward with mistakes. It will also likely be engaging, connective, and fun,” she stated.
Featured image: Denys Nevozhai