Inside Burning Man festival with all-night raves, burning effigy and 'Orgy Dome'

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Burning Man is an annual event emphasizing community, art, and self-reliance in the US (Image: Getty)
Burning Man is an annual event emphasizing community, art, and self-reliance in the US (Image: Getty)

A festival brings together free-spirited people to live together, enjoy art and their bodies and even engage in.... "moresomes", in sessions of group sexual activity.

Burning Man is an annual event in the Western United States that revolves around community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. It's held in Black Rock City, a temporary city built every year by campers in Nevada's Black Rock Desert.

The event features the symbolic burning of a large wooden effigy called the "Man" on the penultimate night, symbolising its name. It operates based on ten principles including inclusion, gifting, self-reliance, self-expression, communal effort, and more, according to its organisers.

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Inside Burning Man festival with all-night raves, burning effigy and 'Orgy Dome' qhiddqiqxqireinvThe event's climax was the burning of a large wooden effigy named the "Man" (Getty Images)

The Burning Man itself began in 1986 on a beach in San Francisco and has since grown, attracting diverse attendees. Participants create and share art and participate in lively activities such as all-night raves, inspired by an annual theme. Artwork includes interactive sculptures, performances, and more.

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But the intriguing acts don't end there, as there is a sexual liberation aspect to the annual occurrence. One attraction within the festival is the "Orgy Dome," an air-conditioned space where attendees can engage in group sexual activities.

Inside Burning Man festival with all-night raves, burning effigy and 'Orgy Dome'The principles, like self-expression and communal effort, guide the event's ethos (Dr Bronner)

The Orgy Dome is run by a camp within Burning Man, named "and then there's only LOVE", a place which, according to its website, is designed to provide a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for those interested in exploring group sexual experiences.

Before entering the Orgy Dome, attendees are interviewed to ensure that they are sober enough to provide consent and understand the rules and guidelines. Consent is an active and ongoing process, and attendees must communicate their intentions and boundaries clearly.

Inside Burning Man festival with all-night raves, burning effigy and 'Orgy Dome'Attendees design interactive art, sculptures, and performances within an annual theme (AFP via Getty Images)

Inside the Orgy Dome, participants come from various backgrounds, body types, ages, and nationalities. The atmosphere is meant to be inclusive and accepting, encouraging a wide range of people to engage in consensual activities.

The interior of the dome is dimly lit with sensual lighting and décor and is equipped with mattresses, fresh sheets, and comfortable seating arrangements. The environment is designed to create an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, encouraging attendees to feel comfortable and open.

Inside Burning Man festival with all-night raves, burning effigy and 'Orgy Dome'Burning Man was organized by the Burning Man Project, fostering global outreach programs (San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

The dome is divided into different areas, some designated for couples and others labelled as "open for more." This allows both established couples and individuals seeking new experiences to interact based on mutual interest and consent.

Attendees can engage in a variety of consensual sexual activities, ranging from kissing, touching, and intimate interactions to more explicit activities. People often connect with their own partners or with others they meet inside the dome.

Inside Burning Man festival with all-night raves, burning effigy and 'Orgy Dome'Black Rock City, a temporary city, hosted the event in Nevada's desert (Satellite image ©2022 Maxar Tech)

The atmosphere encourages attendees to explore their fantasies and desires, promoting a safe space for sexual experimentation within the bounds of consent and respect. Many attendees report feeling empowered, happy, and open-minded after participating in activities within the Orgy Dome.

Aly and Dan, a couple, found the entry process thorough and were comfortable and engaging. Aly told Cosmopolitan: "If you ask if you can play with a couple, you'd still need to ask, 'Can I touch your breasts?' 'Can I go down on you?'...Consent is an active process and can be removed at any point."

Inside Burning Man festival with all-night raves, burning effigy and 'Orgy Dome'Attendance steadily grew over the years, reaching 78,850 participants in 2019 (Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images)

Jocelyn and Luke, another couple, described the dome as a catalyst for their exploration of group sex. They emphasise the importance of consent and describe the atmosphere as intimate and respectful. While sexual activities vary, most attendees prioritise connection and openness.

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Jocelyn said: "I guess I had imagined lots of loud, p**n-style, showy sex — but it's not like that at all. Almost everyone was super intimate with their own partners. Part of the appeal is to have sex semi-publicly, but nobody seemed to be trying to win any Adult Video News awards."

Scholars study Burning Man's social and spiritual aspects. The event is organised by the non-profit Burning Man Project, succeeding Black Rock City LLC, and has global outreach through initiatives like Burners Without Borders and Global Arts Grants.

Vassia Barba

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