Free Republic

The Burning Man Festival is held in the desert of Black Rock City, Nevada. This year's festival opened with a viral video of climate change activists blocking traffic with law enforcement responding. Now, the controversy has spun into a chaotic scene the festival organizers are declaring a National Emergency. Can a festival declare a National Emergency? That's beside the point right now. Heavy rains overnight on Friday have transformed the infamously dusty desert site into a muddy mess, trapping over 70,000 attendees. The festival-goers are being instructed to shelter in place and to conserve food and water resources since getting...

Tens of thousands have gathered for the deranged nine-day festival of excess, which is unique among others in frowning at any hint of commercialism. Incredible photos show attendees donning outrageous Mad Max-style outfits, or even forgoing clothes at all, under the relentless sun. Some are seen traveling around the temporary city in post-apocalyptic "art cars" and bicycles. And the ritualistic burning of a giant human-shaped effigy is seen sending smoke and flames billowing into the empty skyline.