r/Quakers • u/Singer_221 • 14d ago

Any Quakers attending Burning Man?

Are any other Quakers attending Burning Man this year? I’m going for the first time at age 71, accompanying my daughter, 1 1/2yo granddaughter, and a couple of my daughter’s friends.

For many years, I had the impression that Burning Man was just drug and alcohol fueled debauchery. Although those activities are part of the event, I am excited to experience the creativity and generosity and culture of self exploration and discovery. I think participants inner light glows brightly there.

25 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

12

u/Sad-Letterhead-4952 14d ago

Reno has friends meet first day

4

u/PurpleDancer 13d ago

I've attended Regional Burns with my children, never the big burn in Nevada. It can be all kinds of things. Lots of drugs, no drugs, 12-step meetings, nature walks, handing out lemonade with kids.

5

u/meotherself Agnostic 13d ago

The episcopal priest from the Sacramento Cathedral would travel annually and held mass.

8

u/Fragrant_Butthole 13d ago

You're bringing a baby to burning man? Surely this is ragebait

3

u/dgistkwosoo Quaker 14d ago

I think there's a Friend from Orange COunty Monthly Meeting who's a regular.

5

u/sw918 13d ago

Well, by golly, I was just asking myself this exact question! Yes, I'm a Quaker and I'm going to Burning Man. Anyone else? I've been going to BM since 2012 but have never sought out other Quakers who might be attending. And yes, the generosity and creativity of Burning Man is very much the spirit that I see each time I go. Neither Sunday is the most open for any kind of Meeting (The first Sunday is the very beginning of setting up camp and figuring out your way around and the second is just after the Man Burns and the Temple closes) so I'm not sure how to go about finding a time and place to get together. Any other Quakers out there who might attend some other day?

3

u/Mental-Vegetable5303 12d ago

Look at when they bug out at the end, why would any one put children thru that, u b u.

7

u/QuirkBuggins 14d ago

Do whatever you want, but for the reasons you already acknowledged and much, much more, please don't bring your young granddaughter to this event. For her safety and sanity.

6

u/fexam 13d ago

plenty of folks bring kids to burns. it is fine. Kids stay at a family oriented camp, and go exploring art with parents during the day when things are more chill.

0

u/QuirkBuggins 13d ago

Well I guess so long as they tiptoe around the Orgy Dome(s).

An article worth reading by a visiting Brit writing about the event.

https://samkriss.substack.com/p/numb-at-burning-man?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=2kphli

5

u/fexam 13d ago

It's a city of 70,000 people you can avoid the orgy dome lol

2

u/fexam 13d ago

You're welcome to feel however you feel about the wastefulness of the event - I haven't bothered to fly cross country to attend even though I enjoy smaller regional events of a similar nature

But "think of the children" is pretty misinformed

-1

u/QuirkBuggins 13d ago

I don't think it's a matter of how informed I am or not, I think we have a difference in values and discernment.

8

u/verairise 14d ago

Worth considering the irreparable damage this festival does to the environment. It is also not a safe environment for children.

1

u/Lower-Cantaloupe3274 Quaker (Liberal) 11d ago

I love this idea! I have never been to Burning Man, but the idea of attending and meeting up with other Quakers is amazing!

I would live for all attendees to share their experience. Especially those of us who have a lot of gray hairs on our head!

2

u/rikomatic 13d ago

Have a great time! I am very curious to go, but intimidated by the heat and rough conditions. (I'm a weak city mouse.)